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Overview

We designed the English Language Foundations (ELF) program for learners whose first language isn't English. Our aim? To help you improve your English skills. Many students choose ELF as a way into SAIT career programs.

Admission

We'll place you in the program based on your current English skills. We use tests like the Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA), Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment (CLBPA) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to assess your abilities. 

Language foundations curriculum

We're here to give you a strong language foundation. We work on speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. There are seven levels, each with two courses - one for reading and writing, the other for listening and speaking. 

Flexible class times

Five start dates a year, eight-week terms, full-time or part-time options. 

Skill development

Your learning experience will be customized to your abilities, so you'll progress based on your skills. We'll assess you through classroom assignments, participation, and exams. If you get at least a 50% (D) in all subjects, you can move up to the next level. 

Completing ELF Level 5 courses meets the English proficiency pre-requisite for admission into most SAIT academic programs, saving you time and effort. 

Remember, SAIT career programs require strong English skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. ELF is a fast-paced program, so be ready to study and use English outside of class.  

To succeed in the English Language Foundations program, you need some key qualities and abilities, including:

  • motivation and a strong desire to improve your academic skills and achieve your educational goals
  • time management skills to balance coursework and other responsibilities  
  • self-discipline so you can stay focused while studying and completing assignments
  • computer literacy
  • study skills, how to take notes and prepare for exams.

The ELF program is accredited through Languages Canada.

Download program info

Courses

Course delivery

Full-time program:

  • Two courses per level for eight weeks.
  • 20 hours per week in class, Monday through Friday, plus 15 to 20 hours of homework.
  • Courses are available in the morning or the afternoon.

Part-time program:

  • One course per level for eight weeks.
  • 10 hours per week in class, plus seven to ten hours of homework.
  • Courses are available in the morning or the afternoon.

Specialization CLB Levels 2

Course Credits

This course is designed to improve the reading and writing skills of English as an Additional Language learners at Canadian Language Benchmark 2. The course takes an integrated, task-based approach to language learning. The course focuses on four areas of competency for developing fundamental reading and writing skills: interacting with others; comprehending instructions and reproducing information; getting things done; and comprehending and sharing information. Topics and tasks are contextualized within professional settings, helping learners build the strategies and skills required for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts.

Pre-requisites:

Manual Prerequisite

  • One of:
    • CLBW 2 - Canadian Language Benchmark - Reading/Writing
    • IELR 2.0 - IELTS Academic Reading and IELW 2.0 - IELTS Academic Writing
 3

This course is based on the descriptors and performance indicators of Canadian Language Benchmark 3. It is designed to build the foundational skills necessary to enter into the first level of the English Language Foundations program. The course integrates four language skills: reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary. Topics are related to community, school and work settings, so that the learners can begin to develop the language they need for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts.

Pre-requisites:

Manual Prerequisite

  • One of:
    • CLBW 3 - Canadian Language Benchmark - Reading/Writing
    • IELR 3.0 - IELTS Academic Reading and IELW 3.0 - IELTS Academic Writing
    • COMN 122
 3

This course is designed to improve the speaking and listening skills of English as an Additional Language learners at Canadian Language Benchmark 2. The course takes an integrated, task-based approach to language learning. The course focuses on four areas of competency for developing fundamental speaking and listening skills: interacting with others; comprehending and giving instructions; getting things done; and sharing information. Topics and tasks are contextualized within professional settings, helping learners build the strategies and skills required for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts.

Pre-requisites:

Manual Prerequisite

  • One of:
    • CLBS 2 - Canadian Language Benchmark - Listening/Speaking
    • IELL 2.0 - IELTS Academic Listening and IELS 2.0 - IELTS Academic Speaking
 3

This course is based on the descriptors and performance indicators of Canadian Language Benchmark 3. It is designed to build the foundational skills necessary to enter into the first level of the English Language Foundations program. The course integrates five language skills: listening, speaking, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Topics are related to community, school and work settings, so that you can begin to develop the language you need for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts.

Pre-requisites:

Manual Prerequisite

  • One of:
    • CLBS 3 - Canadian Language Benchmark - Listening/Speaking
    • IELL 3.0 - IELTS Academic Listening and IELS 3.0 - IELTS Academic Speaking
    • SPCH 122
 3

Specialization CLB Levels 4

Course Credits

Communications 1 (COMN 151) is designed to advance the reading and writing skills of ESL learners at Canadian Language Benchmark 4. The course takes an integrated task-based approach to language learning. Four broad areas of competency provide the framework for building fluent basic reading and writing skills: 1) interacting with others; 2) comprehending instructions and reproducing information; 3) getting things done; and 4) comprehending and sharing information. Topics and tasks are contextualized within Canadian professional settings, so that learners begin to develop the strategies and skills required for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts.

Pre-requisites:

Manual Prerequisite

  • One of:
    • TEST CLBW 04 (Canadian Language Benchmark - Reading/Writing)
    • TEST LIN4 P (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada LINC Level 4)
    • TEST IELR 3.5 (IELTS Academic Reading), and TEST IELW 3.5 (IELTS Academic Writing)
    • ENGL 102
    • COMN 123
 3

Communications 2 (COMN 152) is designed to advance the reading and writing skills of ESL learners at Canadian Language Benchmark 5. The course takes an integrated task-based approach to language learning. Four broad areas of competency provide the framework for building intermediate-level reading and writing skills: 1) interacting with others; 2) comprehending instructions and reproducing information; 3) getting things done; and 4) comprehending and sharing information. Topics and tasks are contextualized within Canadian professional settings, so that learners develop the strategies and skills required for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts.

Pre-requisites:

Manual Prerequisite

  • One of:
    • COMN 151 D (Credit Education at 50% or higher)
    • COMN 151 050 (Academic Upgrading at 50% or higher)
    • TEST CLBW 050 (Canadian Language Benchmark - Reading/Writing)
    • TEST IELR 4.0 (IELTS Academic Reading) , and TEST IELW 4.0 (IELTS Academic Writing)
 3

Communications 3 (COMN 153) is designed to advance the reading and writing skills of ESL learners at Canadian Language Benchmark 6. The course takes an integrated task-based approach to language learning. Four broad areas of competency provide the framework for continuing to develop intermediate-level reading and writing skills: 1) interacting with others; 2) comprehending instructions and reproducing information; 3) getting things done; and 4) comprehending and sharing information. Topics and tasks are contextualized within Canadian professional settings, so that learners build the strategies and skills required for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts.

Pre-requisites:

Manual Prerequisite

  • One of:
    • COMN 152 D (Credit Education at 50% or higher)
    • COMN 152 050 (Academic Upgrading at 50% or higher)
    • TEST CLBW 06 (Canadian Language Benchmark - Reading/Writing)
    • TEST IELR 4.5 (IELTS Academic Reading), and TEST IELW 4.5 (IELTS Academic Writing)
 3

Communications 4 (COMN 154) is designed to advance the reading and writing skills of ESL learners at Canadian Language Benchmark 7. The course takes an integrated task-based approach to language learning. Four broad areas of competency provide the framework for building adequate intermediate-level reading and writing skills: 1) interacting with others; 2) comprehending instructions and reproducing information; 3) getting things done; and 4) comprehending and sharing information. Topics and tasks are contextualized within Canadian professional settings, so that learners develop the strategies and skills required for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts.

Pre-requisites:

Manual Prerequisite

  • One of:
    • COMN 153 D (Credit Education at 50% or higher)
    • COMN 153 050 (Academic Upgrading at 50% or higher)
    • TEST CLBW 07 (Canadian Language Benchmark - Reading/Writing)
    • TEST IELR 5.0 (IELTS Academic Reading), and TEST IELW 5.0 (IELTS Academic Writing)
 3

Communications 5 (COMN 155) is designed to advance the reading and writing skills of ESL learners at Canadian Language Benchmark 8. The course takes an integrated task-based approach to language learning. Four broad areas of competency provide the framework for building fluent intermediate-level reading and writing skills: 1) interacting with others; 2) comprehending instructions and reproducing information; 3) getting things done; and 4) comprehending and sharing information. Topics and tasks are contextualized within Canadian professional settings, so that learners continue to develop the strategies and skills required for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts. COMN 155 is the final English Language Foundations COMM course and fulfills the English language reading and writing requirements for entry into most SAIT programs.

Pre-requisites:

Manual Prerequisite

  • One of:
    • COMN 154 D (Credit Education at 50% or higher)
    • COMN 154 050 (Academic Upgrading at 50% or higher)
    • TEST IELR 5.5 (IELTS Academic Reading), and IELW 5.5 (IELTS Academic Writing)
 3

Speech 1 (SPCH 151) is designed to advance the listening and speaking skills of ESL learners at Canadian Language Benchmark 4. The course takes an integrated task-based approach to language learning. Four broad areas of competency provide the framework for building fluent basic listening and speaking skills: 1) interacting with others; 2) comprehending and giving instructions; 3) getting things done; and 4) comprehending and sharing information. Topics and tasks are contextualized within Canadian professional settings, so that learners begin to develop the strategies and skills required for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts.

Pre-requisites:

Manual Prerequisite

  • One of:
    • TEST CLBS 04 (Canadian Language Benchmark - Listening/Speaking)
    • TEST IELL 3.5 (IELTS Academic Listening), and TEST IELS 3.5 (IELTS Academic Speaking)
    • TEST LIN4 P (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada LINC Level 4)
    • ENGL 102
    • SPCH 123
 3

Speech 2 (SPCH 152) is designed to advance the listening and speaking skills of ESL learners at Canadian Language Benchmark 5. The course takes an integrated task-based approach to language learning. Four broad areas of competency provide the framework for building intermediate-level listening and speaking skills: 1) interacting with others; 2) comprehending and giving instructions; 3) getting things done; and 4) comprehending and sharing information. Topics and tasks are contextualized within Canadian professional settings, so that learners develop the strategies and skills required for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts.

Pre-requisites:

Manual Prerequisite

  • One of:
    • TEST CLBS 05 (Canadian Language Benchmark - Listening/Speaking)
    • TEST IELL 4.0 (IELTS Academic Listening), and TEST IELS 4.0 (IELTS Academic Speaking)
    • SPCH 151 D (Credit Education 50% or higher)
    • SPCH 151 050 (Academic Upgrading 50% or higher)
 3

Speech 3 (SPCH 153) is designed to advance the listening and speaking skills of ESL learners at Canadian Language Benchmark 6. The course takes an integrated task-based approach to language learning. Four broad areas of competency provide the framework for continuing to develop intermediate-level listening and speaking skills: 1) interacting with others; 2) comprehending and giving instructions; 3) getting things done; and 4) comprehending and sharing information. Topics and tasks are contextualized within Canadian professional settings, so that learners develop the strategies and skills required for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts.

Pre-requisites:

Manual Prerequisite

  • One of:
    • TEST CLBS 06 (Canadian Language Benchmark - Listening/Speaking)
    • TEST IELL 4.5 (IELTS Academic Listening) and TEST IELS 4.5 (IELTS Academic Speaking)
    • SPCH 152 D (Credit Education at 50%)
    • SPCH 152 (Academic Upgrading at 50%)
 3

Speech 4 (SPCH 154) is designed to advance the listening and speaking skills of ESL learners at Canadian Language Benchmark 7. The course takes an integrated task-based approach to language learning. Four broad areas of competency provide the framework for building adequate intermediate-level listening and speaking skills: 1) interacting with others; 2) comprehending and giving instructions; 3) getting things done; and 4) comprehending and sharing information. Topics and tasks are contextualized within Canadian professional settings, so that learners develop the strategies and skills required for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts.

Pre-requisites:

Manual Prerequisite

  • One of:
    • TEST CLBS 07 (Canadian Language Benchmark - Listening/Speaking 07)
    • TEST IELL 5.0 (IELTS Academic Listening) and TEST IELS 5.0 (IELTS Academic Speaking)
    • SPCH 153 D (Credit Education at 50%)
    • SPCH 153 050 (Academic Upgrading at 50%)
 3

Speech 5 (SPCH 155) is designed to advance the listening and speaking skills of ESL learners at Canadian Language Benchmark 8. The course takes an integrated task-based approach to language learning. Four broad areas of competency provide the framework for building fluent intermediate-level listening and speaking skills: 1) interacting with others; 2) comprehending and giving instructions; 3) getting things done; and 4) comprehending and sharing information. Topics and tasks are contextualized within Canadian professional settings, so that learners continue to develop the strategies and skills required for effective communication in English-speaking, multicultural contexts. SPCH 155 is the final English Language Foundations SPCH course and fulfills the English language listening and speaking requirements for entry into most SAIT programs.

Pre-requisites:

Manual Prerequisite

  • One of:
    • TEST IELL 5.5 (IELTS Academic Listening) and TEST IELS 5.5 (IELTS Academic Speaking)
    • SPCH 154 D (Credit Education at 50%)
    • SPCH 154 050 (Academic Upgrading at 50%)
 3

Progression

Communication Foundations and Speech Foundations lead to Communication Fundamentals and Speech Fundamentals. Completion of Communication Fundamentals and Speech Fundamentals lead to Communications 1 and Speech 1 and the subsequent ELF levels 2, 3, 4 and 5.

  1. CLB 2: Communication Foundations and Speech Foundations
  2. CLB 3: Communication Fundamentals and Speech Fundamentals
  3. CLB 4: Communications 1 and Speech 1
  4. CLB 5: Communications 2 and Speech 2
  5. CLB 6: Communications 3 and Speech 3
  6. CLB 7: Communications 4 and Speech 4
  7. CLB 8: Communications 5 and Speech 5

Depending on your score, when entering the program with a CLBA, CLBPT, CLBPA  or ELF PPT, you may begin at any level in the program. 

Depending on your band score on the IELTS academic test, you may begin at any point between Communication Foundations and Speech Foundations up to Communications 5 and Speech 5.

Learn more by reading AC.3.1.1 Grading and Progression - Credit Courses Procedure.

Admission requirements

To register for the English Language Foundations program, you must complete one of the following:

  • A Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA), Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT), Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment (CLBPA) or an ELF Proficiency Placement Test (PPT) and obtain a minimum score as indicated below, for the level to which you are applying.

  • An International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assessment and obtain a minimum band score, as indicated below, for the level to which you are applying.

CLBA, CLBPT, CLBPA, or IELTS tests must be completed at least four weeks before the course starts.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

The IELTS Test Centre at SAIT provides proficiency testing. 

We accept IELTS band scores from any approved centres. However, you must submit an official copy of your IELTS test report form (TRF).

A band score of 6.0 in all categories or completion of ELF level 5 meets the English language requirements to enter SAIT programs.

Canadian Language Benchmark Assessments

An entrance ELF Proficiency Placement Test (ELF PPT) for international students is available. If eligible, domestic students can get a CLBA, CLBPT, or CLBPA at CLARC (Calgary Language Assessment and Referral Centre).

English Language Foundations proficiency placement tests 

Your ELF placement will be based on your CLBA, CLBPT, CLBPA, ELF PPT or academic IELTS score.

ELF Communication Foundations

  • Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 2
  • Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 2
  • Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment (CLBPA) score of 2
  • English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 2
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 2

ELF Communication Fundamentals

  • Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 3
  • Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 3
  • Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment (CLBPA) score of 3
  • English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 3
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 3

ELF Speech Foundations

  • Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 2
  • Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 2
  • Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment (CLBPA) score of 2
  • English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 2
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 2

ELF Speech Fundamentals

  • Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 3
  • Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 3
  • Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment (CLBPA) score of 3
  • English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 3
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 3

ELF level 1:

  • Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 4
  • Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 4
  • Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment (CLBPA) score of 4
  • English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 4
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 3.5

ELF level 2:

  • Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 5
  • Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 5
  • Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment (CLBPA) score of 5
  • English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 5
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 4.0

ELF level 3:

  • Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 6
  • Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 6
  • Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment (CLBPA) score of 6
  • English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 6
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 4.5

ELF level 4:

  • Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA) score of 7
  • Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 7
  • Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment (CLBPA) score of 7
  • English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 7
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.0

ELF level 5:

  • Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT) score of 8
  • English Language Foundations proficiency placement (ELF PPT) test score of 8
  • Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Assessment (CLBPA) score of 8
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.5

Transfer agreements

At SAIT, we have created transfer agreements with partner institutions to allow you to earn course credits toward your SAIT program based on your previously completed credentials.

Transfer Alberta search tool

Use the Transfer Alberta search tool to see all transfer agreements between Alberta post-secondary institutions (including those with the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University and Bow Valley College.)

Search transfer agreements in Alberta

Credits that transfer into this program

Once you have been admitted to this program, please complete a transfer credit application.

Submit a transfer credit application

Available credits:

This is a Bridging Pathway partnership with formal transfer agreements with SAIT.

Atlantic Canada Language Academy (ACLA) graduates who complete the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program and the General English (GE) will be placed in ELF levels based on equivalencies determined in the chart below.

SAIT does not accept final results of the partners’ programs if these programs have been completed more than 12 months before the applicant submits their application.

Level ELF Placement CEFR Level IELTS Academic Scores
CLB 2 Communication Foundations and Speech Foundations A1 IELTS 2
CLB 3 Communication Fundamentals and Speech Fundamentals A2 IELTS 3
CLB 4 Communications and Speech Levels 1 A2 IELTS 3.5
CLB 5 Communications and Speech Levels 2 A2+/B1 IELTS 4.0
CLB 6 Communications and Speech Levels 3 A2+/B1 IELTS 4.5
CLB 7 Communications and Speech Levels 4 B1+ IELTS 5.0

Transfer options for graduates

When you have completed this program, you may continue your education at a partner post-secondary institution. These transfer agreements include partnerships within and/or outside of Canada.

Available intakes

Spring 2025

Start dates:

  • May 05, 2025
Domestic students: Closed
  • Application deadline:
International students: Closed
  • Application deadline:

Summer 2025

Start dates:

  • Jul 02, 2025
International students: Open
  • Application deadline: June 02, 2025

Fall 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: July 25, 2025
International students: Open
  • Application deadline: July 25, 2025
Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: Sept. 20, 2025
International students: Open
  • Application deadline: Sept. 20, 2025

Winter 2026

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: Oct. 24, 2025
International students: Open
  • Application deadline: Sept. 26, 2025
Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: Oct. 24, 2025
International students: Open
  • Application deadline: Sept. 26, 2025

Spring 2026

Start dates:

  • May 04, 2026
Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: April 30, 2026
International students: Open
  • Application deadline: March 27, 2026

Costs

2025/26 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2025. 

The estimated cost of tuition and fees is based on the number of courses taken in a semester. 

Domestic students

The estimated cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the number of courses taken in a semester. 
Number of courses Tuition fees Additional fees Total per semester
1 $699 $209.84 $908.84
2 $1,398 $258.53 $1,656.53
3 $2,097 $834.30 $2,931.30
5 $3,495 $834.30 $4,329.30

The estimated cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the number of courses taken in a semester. 
Number of courses Tuition fees Additional fees Total per semester
1 $1,473 $399.84 $1,872.84
2 $2,946 $448.53 $3,394.53
3 $4,419 $834.30 $5,253.30
5 $7,365 $834.30 $8,199.30

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

No textbooks are required for this program.

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Financial aid

You could potentially qualify for funding for your courses if you are out of high school for more than 12 consecutive months, are unemployed, working less than 20 hours per week, and/or earning a modest annual income, or are 18 years old and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or convention refugee.

Foundational Learning Program

Application process

After we confirm we have received your application, international applicants must schedule their English Language Foundations Proficiency Placement Test (PPT) by calling 403.210.4045 or emailing english.language@sait.ca.

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Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal. 

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $175 for international applicants. 

Apply now

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the admission process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. 

We recommend you add the english.language@sait.ca to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

  • What sets SAIT apart
  • An introduction to the program and area of study
  • Admission requirements
  • Future career paths
  • Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

English Language Foundations

For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please get in touch with our advising team.

403.210.4045
english.language@sait.ca

International Student Advising

403.284.8852
international@sait.ca
a view of the moutains and stream in between

Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.

SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.

Visit Natoysopoyiis Resource Centre