|
|
Week 2 Update
Well, a week has passed and the sponsors and sponsored appear to be managing quite well. With the exception of a few little problems, we have made it through the week with very few problems and a number of successes. Congratulations to all involved.
I have been in touch with Debbie Mitchell today and have been informed that we should not expect to see our next group of arrivals until Saturday, July 17, 1999. We originally thought that we would be receiving families on Wednesday, but that does not appear to be the case. Patience is a virtue – or so they say.
For those of you who were with us at the Western Fair when the first sixteen arrived – can you imagine what Saturday is going to look like when we welcome a minimum of 70 arrivals. The excitement and emotions will be overwhelming. I hope that as many of you as possible will show up to greet our new arrivals. It is expected that the bus(es) will arrive approximately the same time – 3:00 p.m. We will be in touch if there is a change in this. The media is very interested in our efforts and will continue to carry updates throughout the week. Thanks to all the media for their attention and positive coverage.
With the arrival of such numbers, assistance will be required. You will find that we have included a few more information pages for your use – please let us know if this information is helpful. After having worked with the sponsors and refugees for the past week, our Counsellors have an idea of some of the questions, issues which have come up. I have received the following information from Gisele, one of our Counsellors, and thought that I would pass it on to you just so that you feel more comfortable calling the Centre for assistance (850-0050):
WAYS IN WHICH CROSS CULTURAL LEARNER CENTRE COUNSELLORS CAN HELP!
The Centre employs 7 full-time Settlement Counsellors with a total of 73 years experience in Settlement issues!!! These "experts" are a neutral source of information and support for newcomers and sponsors.
Some of the questions you may have which we can help with:
DOCUMENTATION:
What kind of KIN numbers will the Kosovar Refugees get? What kind of IMM1000 application do they fill out if they want to stay in Canada?HOUSING:
Where do other refugees live? Only three secondary schools offer ESL programs for youth. If the youth require ESL training, how will the housing we chose affect their choice of ESL programs and transportation needs.EDUCATION:
Who does ESL Assessment? Which schools have ESL classes? What if there are further special educational needs?SOCIAL:
Where do we find support groups. What recreational opportunities are there for the adults and children? At what costs? Who to contact? YMCA and other memberships?MEDICAL:
Which doctors, optometrists, dentists have experience working with the IFH coverage and refugee clients?EMPLOYMENT:
Which are the different places that offer employment preparation programs? Help with resumes, cover letters, employment rights and obligations?COUNSELLING:
What to do if people have difficulty adapting to Canada? What is the difference between difficulty adapting and Post Traumatic Stress?REFERRALS:
Where to go for help if there is severe trauma or other concerns?
