“As a first-generation immigrant, I recognized the value of the services that the Welcome Group Program is able to provide to newcomers”
After coming to Canada as an immigrant, Ishika was driven to help other newcomers feel at home in Ottawa. After finding out about the Welcome Group Program, she was excited to sign up. Check out our Q&A with Ishika!
I was on the Volunteer Ottawa website and found a posting from the Together Project, which led me to look more into the organization. As a first-generation immigrant, I recognized the value of the services that the Welcome Group Program is able to provide to newcomers. I was looking for a volunteer opportunity with the potential to have a genuine positive impact on newcomers’ experience and the Welcome Group seemed ideal.
2. How has your experience in the Welcome Group Program impacted you?
Like I mentioned, being a first-generation immigrant myself, it has been very rewarding to be able to help a family facing similar challenges to the ones my family and I faced. However, each immigration experience and each family is so different – this experience has reminded me to be kind and patient with everyone as I can’t know the challenges they may be dealing with.
3. How did it help you understand what challenges newcomers are facing?
A lot of the processes related to settlement and integration rely on good language skills, and considering how long it can take to learn and be comfortable in a new language, this creates a huge amount of pressure for newcomers. I also realized how challenging it can be to access services that are often located in different (and distant) locations, especially when still learning to navigate the city and the transit system.
4. Your match is still ongoing. What have the highlights been in your match so far?
Building a relationship with the family and my group has been one of the most enjoyable parts of this experience. Their unwavering commitment to working towards a better future and resilience through every challenge they face is inspiring.
5. What advice do you have for potential volunteers/newcomers participating in the Welcome Group Program?
Taking the time to build a relationship, build trust and to understand the needs of the family is very important to ensure you are able to help in the most impactful way. Being there in person with the family as a group helps a lot with building these relationships, and allows you to get to know your group better as well.
