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“Are you a new immigrant? Come to us, we are here to help you!”
11-17-2015
What kinds of services can Arabic or Farsi speaking people immigrant receive from DIVERSEcity?
Ali: DIVERSEcity aims to provide services to facilitate the process of settlement for the newcomers in Canada and empower them; these services include language training, employment services, translation and interpretation, counselling and referral to other community and government resources available in the area, such as housing, income assistance, driver’s license, etc.
Anas: “We build and strengthen diverse communities by delivering the broadest range of services that embrace cultural inclusiveness and that celebrate the strengths found in our differences.” This is actually our mission statement and we really do provide a broad range of services starting with but not limited to providing LINC “English Classes,” Settlement Services, Children & Youth Services, Counselling, and so much more.
What is your philosophy regarding your jobs and what is the most strengthen of settlement services at DIVERSEcity?
Ali: The philosophy of this job is to empower the newcomers and support them in implementing their knowledge, experience and/or profession in the new context.
Anas: A few words can express my philosophy such as “empowerment”, “independence”, “confidence” and “being an active part of the community”.
How did you join DIVERSEcity, and how your personal experience benefits to understand and conduct better services to your clients?
Ali: After many years of helping the newcomers settle in Canada, as a volunteer, I decided to join DIVERSEcity and turn my passion to my career.
Anas: I spent most of my life in the educational field as a teacher and felt how rewarding the career of helping out people is. The main concept of helping out people and sharing experiences led the way to join such a wonderful career. It is a gift to be able to serve any community.
Since you join DIVERSEcity, how the Arabic or Farsi community has been changed and how did you your services matched with them?
Ali: The Farsi-speaking community benefit from our language specific services greatly. This helps them find the transition and integration into the new community much easier and smoother.
Anas: The Arabic community has gone a long way in success. They are integrating into the community in smooth steps and many have achieved the short term goals and long term goals. They have studied English and found suitable jobs led to happy and settled families.
If someone is very new to Canada, what is your first advice to give him or her in order to archive their goal in Canada?
Ali: I would advise them to seek help from available community resources and settlement services, such as DIVERSEcity. There are variety of services in different fields, such as settlement, counselling, and case management, employment services that could potentially make the process of their settlement much smoother and more pleasant. I would reassure them that they do not have to go through the difficulties of the transition alone. Help is offered.
Anas: Spend some time to visit the nearest community services providers in your area and work with the office closely to achieve your goals in the shortest period of time.
If a new comer needs supports how they can contact you?
Ali: They can contact me by phone or voicemail at 604-547-1310 or email: bjafary@dcrs.ca
Anas: They can certainly phone me at 604-547-1275 or email: anajim@dcrs.ca
Footnotes: Footnotes: Picture: From the left, Anas Najim, Arabic Settlement Worker and Ali Jafary, Farsi Settlement Worker, Photo by Myung Lee
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