On February 16, 2023, participants and volunteers from CultureLink’s Canada Connects program gathered together for an in-person group session. The program, a partnership with with Harbourfront Centre, was introduced in 2019 and kept going through virtual times.

This meeting gave us an opportunity to reflect on our shared experiences, the perseverance shown through difficult and extraordinary circumstances, and the wonderful results we have accomplished.

Anh is from Vietnam. She has been living in Toronto for almost 5 years and has participated in many CultureLink programs, including Canada Connects. She learned about us from a friend, and joined us during the pandemic. Following is her testimonial.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank CultureLink for offering many helpful programs to newcomers like me. I want to especially thank all the staff and mentors who helped me during the past two years.

I participated in many of their programs:

Canada Connects allowed me to join a volunteer group where I was able to exchange ideas and learn from other people’s knowledge and experiences.

Human Rights, Diversity & Inclusion taught me, through group discussions, how important it is to respect each other just the way we are.

Citizenship Education Circle prepared me to apply for my Canadian Citizenship. It was because of this workshop that I passed my test and I’m now waiting for the oath Ceremony to become a Canadian Citizen!

I also joined many workshops related to resumes, cover letters and interview skills. CultureLink’s mentors were always there to help and support me.

Thanks to CultureLink I can do what I love to do in my second home, Canada.

Teaching is my life’s passion. I have been a professor at George Brown College since October 2021. The first subject I taught was Career Preparation. I continue teaching this subject, where my students learn how to build their resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile and interview skills.

Now I am also a professor at Centennial College. At the beginning I started with only one class. This semester I have almost 10 classes and more than 200 students.

Thank you is not enough. From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate everyone at CultureLink who has supported me. That is why I am here today, and also why I have told every newcomer I know about your programs.”