October 12th, 2017 is a day that Yiwen will remember for the rest of her life. On that day, she got on a plane all by herself and travelled twelve hours to meet her family in Canada. She landed in a different country for the first time ever. Looking back at those first moments in Toronto, she says “I did …
Culturelink’s NOW program 2019
Newcomer Orientation Week better known as NOW is a week-long SWIS program designed to assist newcomer students adjust to life in Canadian high schools. Every year, during the last week of August, students participate in a variety of activities led by Peer Leaders who are trained by Settlement Workers and school teachers. This year has been a special one as …
Sharing Youth Newcomer Stories through Artistic Exploration
Newcomer youth starting high school in Canada are experience a new language, new rules, a new society and a new culture. Newcomer youth often experience a lot of stress and do not always have the forum to share their concerns. This is where peer leaders for the NOW Program make such a difference and bring their personal experiences to the …
Youth Eager to Lead Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW)
Its that time of the year again. One of the busiest and most exciting times of our Settlement Workers in School (SWIS) Program. Every year at this time, the SWIS team begins preparations for the annual Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) Program. NOW is a four-day long program designed for newcomer youth and led by newcomer youth. NOW is a vital …
What happens after school on Thursdays, at St. Mary Catholic Academy?
An incredibly diverse group of newcomer youth are developing their leadership skills in the Multicultural Club for Newcomer Youth. We have about 25 participants, and we meet with them every Thursday after school, for about two hours. Through joining and participating in the Multicultural Club, youth can earn volunteering hours, practice leadership skills, receivee assistance with communication and writing skills, …