Jun
13
By Bob Tuomi
Statistics Canada reports that almost 1,400 immigrants to Canada settled in the Victoria area last year. The mind recoils at the thought of arriving in a new country, with a different culture, a foreign language, mind boggling social challenges and only a promise of a better life. That so many are able to meet all the challenges and to thrive is due in a large part to the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) Welcome Centre, a one-shop-centre for most of the transition resources the newcomers will need.
ICA began in 1971 as an umbrella organization for various ethnic groups to share their cultural heritage. In 1978 they were approached by Immigration Canada to aid refugees. Their role since has morphed into leadership in delivering the various integration, settlement and employment programs available to immigrants. They rely as well on the almost 100 local agencies that make up the Community Partnership Network for additional resources and information.
A one-on-one needs assessment is the first step for the newcomer. Settlement and integration programs as necessary are then provided from the ICA offerings. And, the offerings are comprehensive. They have programs that focus on seniors, men, women, teens, children, infants, and even pre-natal. As other individual needs are identified in these group encounters expert assistance is made available. They offer translation and interpretation services in 25 languages, employment counseling, mentoring, seven levels of English as a second language, and basic computer skills. Frequently, these services culminate in citizenship classes, also provided by ICA.
As 29% of clients are under 24 years of age, a number of programs are focused toward children and youth. For student aged immigrants Youth Groups foster the making of new friends and participating in activities as diverse as cooking, art, music, theatre, dance, and sport. A youth homework club also provides assistance to older children and teens integrating into a new language and culture. Younger children and their mothers mix at the Welcome Pre-School which meets at the James Bay Project and is a highly regarded transition to our public school system.
ICA also offers two workshops this summer for the children of recently arrived new immigrants. These will give children an introduction to other children of their own age group and some familiar faces when they enter the school system in September. Fundraising for this year's workshop is currently underway.
Evidence of ICA success are the almost 20,000 people who over the years have passed through the ICA doors and successfully integrated into Canadian society.
The entrance to the ICA Immigrant Welcome Centre is in the First Metropolitan United Church building at 930 Balmoral Road. Their hours are Monday to Thursday 8:30 to 7:30, closing at 4:30 Friday. Call 250-388-4728 to ask how you can help with donations or by volunteering.