Submitted by John Di Tecco, ICA Tapestry Volunteer 

Edited by Mirko Kovacev, Employment Facilitator

In the first two and half months of 2015, over 50 clients have found employment with the help of ICA Employment Services; mostly in career fields that match their foreign acquired credentials and experiences. Clients have found employment in positions such as a Lab Technician, Project Engineer, Financial Analyst, Municipal Engineer Technologist, Registered Nurse, Accountant, and as a Driving Instructor.

Staff members from the Employment Team

Building on the Employment Services' successes, Khalil's efforts, supported with case management, workshop participation, and job development, paid off at the beginning of March with a job offer. Khalil is now employed and shared his feedback on the services and support received from ICA, as

Submitted by Liz Bean, Coordinator of Volunteer Services

If you have ever tried learning a new language, you'd agree that it can be quite challenging. And, when you add the extra layer of immigrating to a new country, with a new culture, and new everything, it's a whole other ballgame. Learning to speak the language of your new residence becomes the key to your entire future, including opening up doors to job opportunities, friendships and many day-to-day social interactions, such as going to the grocery store, the bank, or  meeting the teachers at your children's school.

 

Conversation Circle volunteers: Mary Lou, Jessie and Pauline

The Conversation Circles Program is a new service launched by Volunteer Services at ICA. The Circles meet once a week over four sessions, and is led by an ICA volunteer. The purpose of the Circles is to provide a place for English language learners to engage in small, informal, free flowing conversation groups. Language learners get the opportunity to improve their conversational English skills while gaining greater insight into Canadian life and culture. The learners get to choose topics that are of interest to them.

Learn more here.....

Submitted by Lisa Wang and Gita John-Iyam, Settlement Workers in Schools

ICA Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) have had a busy few months and were excited to share in a series of fun afternoons with newcomer children and their families over the Spring Break at the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary.

For many new immigrant families it was the first time visiting the sanctuary. The lake, trails, and an array of programs helped to teach us about appreciating the wildlifeand protecting the natural environment.  We learned about humming birds,got up close to snakes, learned about various kinds of mammals, talked about life in the marshes,fed the ducks, and had a great picnic. Big thanks from the SWIS team to the staff at the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, as well as ICA's volunteers who supported the children and families on this outing.

Read more here.

Submitted by Claire Kelly, Settlement Youth Worker 
 

Youth at Pearson College "One World" performance

"The Meet Up" and New Youth Staff

Over the month of February and March, there have been several new and exciting developments with ICA Youth Services. The first is that we would like to announce our newest addition to the Youth Staff team - Alexandra Dawley. Alexandra (aka Alex), will be facilitating ICA's new youth social program called "The Meet Up" which will run every Friday from 4 - 6pm beginning on April 10. It is a drop-in program, but please keep in mind that registration is required. Everyone on the youth team is very excited for "The Meet Up", so we hope to see you there!

Newcomer Youth Engaging in Community

Mariam Batool, speaking at event

Youth Community Project Presentation Night

Finally, over the month of February and March the "Youth Community Project" had great success in creating four original projects to connect with the community. Now that the projects have been created, the youth are very excited to share them with the greater community, so please stay tuned for more information about our Presentation Night on April 9!

Hi! I'm Lauren and I've lived in Victoria for 14 years by way of Nelson, BC, Terrace, BC, and Ottawa, ON. I studied political science at the University of Victoria before transferring to Royal Roads University to focus on a degree in Professional Communication, which I hope to utilize to build meaningful relationships and engage with my community. Prior to joining the team at the Inter-Cultural Association, I worked for the tourism and hospitality industry in Victoria and have always enjoyed engaging with the public. I look forward to meeting friends and partners of the organization by fulfilling the role of Executive Assistant and I welcome the opportunity for new experiences.

Alexandra Dawley, Youth Services Facilitator

Read more here......