Testimonials
"The counselling and friendship was a very important thing because you become comfortable to hope again. I work hard to make this country better because it is the country of my hope."
Christian, Refugee from Rwanda
The following stories are excerpted from Winnipeg Foundation Blog, published March 30, 2011: (or click this link to view original articles: http://wpgfdn.wpgfdn-blogs.org/category/immigrant/)
Eritrean Youth, 15, arrived in Canada 6 weeks ago (via Sudan)
When I came out of the airport I feel so cold. It was so cold because in Sudan the weather was so hot. The school in Sudan was not bad but I hear in Canada it is better. My favourite thing in Canada is the new friends and the names of the streets. I don’t think I will be able to memorize all of the street names!
Eritrean Youth, 17, arrived in Canada 6 weeks ago (via Sudan)
First when we come it was so difficult for us. The cold was extremely too much. When we first saw the airport and then went to our house we were so excited. When we came to the NEEDS Centre we were so happy and excited. I hated just sitting at home and doing nothing.
Sudanese Youth, 16, arrived in Canada 2 months ago (via Kenya)
When I first came to Canada I was so surprised. Our plane land in Toronto and the airport was so nice and beautiful. There were a lot of different people. We never left the building so I was not aware of the cold. I just saw something white outside on the ground. When I ask people they told me it was snow.
After that we took another plane to Winnipeg. At the airport our counsellor was waiting for my family. We collect our bags, came outside of the building and get into the car. I was so surprise to feel the cold outside. When I one day touch the snow my hands were like to freeze and really cold.
I like how people in Canada talk to people. It is different because they talk so politely and are ready to help everybody. We get into our new home and I liked the new house because it’s different from the house we have back in Kenya.
When I tasted the food the next morning it wasn’t tasting good like back in Kenya. I taste pizza which I have never taste in my life, it was not tasting good. When I saw people in clothing big jackets, boots, mittens it was so different. When I came to school I was so happy because I have a lots of fun and I meet new kids and I get to know them and became so friendly to them. I like Canada, it is a country of peace.
Iraqi Youth, 16, arrived in Canada 2.5 months ago (via Syria)
I am from Iraq and I lived in Syria for two years. I have seen Toronto and I also saw how cold is the weather. I like the snow. I also like to play bowling in Canada. I saw beautiful buildings in Canada that I haven’t seen in Iraq. I also saw a computer in Canada that I haven’t seen in Iraq.
Written by Heather Robertson, INTRO/Crime Prevention Program Coordinator at N.E.E.D.S. Inc.:
It’s such an amazing experience to observe how newcomers examine and process our culture, especially youth who arrive during the snowy, winter months. Last month we bundled up a group in several layers of warm clothes and took them for their first ever skating and tobogganing adventure at The Forks. There were smiles and laughter all around despite the chilly weather, something we Winnipeggers forget to do once it dips below -20.
Watching these young people experience something I have always taken for granted reminded me about how important it is for all Winnipeggers, not only service providers, to support newcomers during their resettlement in our city. By providing opportunities and support in education, employment, heath and recreation we can help ensure newcomers have a safe, positive and successful integration in our unique Winnipeg culture!
Every year, tens of thousands of people immigrate to Canada in search of new opportunities, education, employment and experiences. Many of these individuals are refugees who are re-settling in Canada after being forced to leave their home due to conflict, war, religious, ethnic and political persecution. In my work with N.E.E.D.S. Inc I have the good fortune to work with some of these children, youth and families during their first year in Canada.
There are many challenges associated with re-settling in Winnipeg, including navigating our health, education and legal systems and youth have so many questions. During their first weeks in our country, they are introduced to many new and exciting experiences. Our INTRO and Crime Prevention programs provide a safe place for these young people to learn about our culture, practice, build their English language skills and ask questions about life in Canada.
