New in-person and Online English Classes Options Being Offered at St. Louis

Starting today, February 21, there will be new in-person classes, covering CLB 1-7 and Get and Keep the Job.

There will also be English for Personal Support Work - CLB 6/7. These classes will be online:

Feb 21 - June 16

Mon. - Thurs. 12:30 - 3:00

Fri. 12:30 - 2:00

For more information visit: Welcome - St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education (wcdsb.ca)

Soirée Afro-Canadienne

Feb. 24, 2023 - 6:00PM - 8:00PM

450 Maple Grove Road, Cambridge.

Thanks to the AFKW (Association des Francophones de Kitchener-Waterloo), and the TÉÉ program (Travailleurs en établissement dans les écoles du CSC MonAvenir), you are invited to the Afro-Canadian evening to celebrate Black History Month.

There will be activities for all ages, including crafts, games, a fashion show in African costumes, an African food tasting and a performance by Amadou Kienou.

Registration before Thursday, February 23rd: 

Soirée Afro-Canadienne 24 février 2023 (google.com)

Closure of Black History Month

Mar. 1, 2023 - 7:00PM

Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex (The Aud). 

The Waterloo Regional Police Services is proud to team up with the KW Titans of the National Basketball League of Canada for a special night of celebration to conclude Black History Month. 

There will be a special halftime show featuring local dance troupes, art exhibitions in the mezzanine and lots of giveaways and fun! WRPS mascot Parker and KW Titans mascot Titus the Titan will also put their skills to the test during a competitive free throw and one-on-one contest.

Tickets can be purchased at Tickets - KW Titans

Focused Meeting on Ukrainian and Host Support

Feb. 22, 2023, 7:00PM - 8:30PM

WR Grassroots Response will host meetings focused on the process and steps involved in welcoming Ukrainians into their organization and as they arrive in Waterloo Region, and the steps and supports that newcomers are connected to after their arrival in Waterloo Region.

IRCC Virtual Learning Series for Employers Winter 2023:

Resources for Employers

Feb. 22, 2023, 12:00PM - 12:30PM

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will be offering a virtual learning series for employers in Winter 2023. The goal of this 8-week series is to help employers learn more about Canada’s economic immigration programs. Each week will feature a new topic and provide employers with an opportunity to ask questions. Employers may choose to attend one or all of the information sessions based on their interest and needs.

Our Language Rights Canada Conference 2023: Language, Education, Stories Untold

Feb. 22 and 23, 2023, 12:00PM - 4:00PM

In celebration of Language Advocacy Day, February 22nd, Language Access Coalition of Canada's (LACC) third annual conference will explore the important role of language education and storytelling in preserving culture and history, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating deeper human connections. As an essential mediator of access to essential services, critical information and civic participation, languages are also the subject of often overlooked or ignored personal stories best told by those who face language barriers - individuals, organizations, and the language professionals that support them.

Islamophobia and Anti-Hate Workshops

Feb. 22 and Mar. 22, 2023, 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Muslim Social Services of KW in collaboration with the Canadian Council of Muslim Women encourages the community to attend this virtual event on Islamophobia and cyberhate, where a dialogue will be opened between the community and political members on possible solutions to these problems.

KW4 OHT Community Engagement: How you can be involved

Feb. 23, 2023, 6:00PM - 6:45PM

During this event you will hear conversations from KW4 Ontario Health Team Project Managers to learn more about details of the 3 priority projects for 2022-24: the creation of Neighbourhood Integrated Care Teams in priority neighbourhoods, the development of a Newcomer app for use by recent newcomers, and Primary care integration and governance model.

Migration Working Group: Migrant and Refugee Integration in Canada

Feb. 28, 2023, 11:00AM - 2:30PM

Hybrid

Join CERC Migration for this upcoming Migration Working Group meeting. The February Migration Working Group addresses the theme of migrant and refugee integration in Canada. This meeting will be chaired by research fellow Shiva S. Mohan.

The Migration Working Group meets monthly to discuss the migration research of emerging and established scholars. Our meetings give researchers an opportunity to present their ongoing projects, learn about each other's work and share feedback.

Managing Your Emotions at Work

Feb. 28, 2023, 1:00PM - 2:00PM

Whether it's starting a new or first job or dealing with long-term coworkers it's ok to feel many emotions when at work. Lutherwood will host this webinar to share information, resources, tools, and strategies to help you reflect and grow in how you can effectively manage and process your feelings in professional settings.

Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Advocacy for Refugees - Legal Perspectives

Feb. 28, 2023, 2:00PM - 3:30PM

If you are interested in learning more about the legal aspects of Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression and advocacy for refugees and asylum seekers, this webinar is for you!

Systemic racism and discrimination have been a prominent issue in the sector. Refugee claimants and asylum seekers based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) also face multiplying forms of systemic discrimination at the intersection of race and SOGIE.

Join the Allies for Refugee Integration (ARI) webinar and participate in the conversation. 

IRCC Virtual Learning Series for Employers Winter 2023:

Recruiting of Global Talent

Mar. 1, 2023, 12:00PM - 12:30PM

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will be offering a virtual learning series for employers in Winter 2023. The goal of this 8-week series is to help employers learn more about Canada’s economic immigration programs. Each week will feature a new topic and provide employers with an opportunity to ask questions. Employers may choose to attend one or all of the information sessions based on their interest and needs.

Racial Equity Toolkit Webinar

Mar. 2, 2023, 3:00PM - 4:30PM

The Racial Equity Toolkit was developed by Dominique Samari and Paul Schmitz. It was designed to help backbone staff and partners operationalize racial equity throughout their collective impact work. Through a mix of personal reflection exercises, conversations and activities, this toolkit will help teams explore how focusing on racial equity can advance their strategies, foster understanding, strengthen relationships and support the achievement of their collective goals.

IRCC Virtual Learning Series for Employers Winter 2023:

Work Permits: Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Mar. 8, 2023, 12:00PM - 12:30PM

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will be offering a virtual learning series for employers in Winter 2023. The goal of this 8-week series is to help employers learn more about Canada’s economic immigration programs. Each week will feature a new topic and provide employers with an opportunity to ask questions. Employers may choose to attend one or all of the information sessions based on their interest and needs.

Cambridge Newcomer Connections

Kinbridge Community Associations, 200 Christopher Drive, Cambridge

Mar. 11, 2023, 10:30AM - 1:30PM

Don't miss this free community event where you can learn about what services and programs are available to you as a newcomer. There will be indoor and outdoor activities, information booths, entertainment, food and prizes.

Accommodations and interpretation is available by contacting Yesenia at newcomer@cambridge.ca or at 519-623-1340 Ext. 4426

*Registration is not required but capacity is limited

IRCC Virtual Learning Series for Employers Winter 2023:

Work Permits: International Mobility Program

Mar. 15, 2023, 12:00PM - 12:30PM

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will be offering a virtual learning series for employers in Winter 2023. The goal of this 8-week series is to help employers learn more about Canada’s economic immigration programs. Each week will feature a new topic and provide employers with an opportunity to ask questions. Employers may choose to attend one or all of the information sessions based on their interest and needs.

Workplace Inclusion: A Roadmap for Senior Managers

Mar. 15, 2023, 1:00PM

Strategic planning is one of the most widely used tools when it comes to EDI. As daunting as the exercise may seem, the key is getting started with the right people and practices. This workshop will examine how to set an EDI transformation process in motion and what research says about practices that can push the needle in favor of minoritized groups.

The speaker will be Michaël Séguin. He currently leads a SSHRC-funded research in partnership with N4 about inclusion in Ontario-based settlement agencies.

Citizenship Support Group

In Person

Classes: Jan. 11 - Mar. 29, 2023

The YMCA of Three Rivers will be offering in person citizenship support classes to help permanent residents  prepare to take the Canadian Citizenship Exam. These classes will cover material that will be on the exam and provide participants with a variety of study materials and practice tests that you can take home to review. If you are interested in registering please fill out this form.

YEAH! Newcomer Youth Group

Jan. 17 - Mar. 6, 2023

Join Carizon's YEAH! Newcomer Youth Group to support one another and share experiences that matter to you in a safe and encouraging environment. They want to hear what you’re interested in and they will share ideas and resources together to help you reach your goals! Open to high school aged newcomer youth. 

International Youth Group

Jan. 19 - Mar. 9, 2023

Carizon invites newcomers connect with other youth in its in-person group through games, art, play and conversation. They will explore a wide range of issues that are important to you and explore new ways to connect with others! This group is for newcomer youth ages 10-13. 

Growing Stronger - Adult Trauma Group

Jan. 19 - Apr. 6, 2023

Carizon brings a supportive space for newcomer adults with similar experiences to identify what triggers their trauma reactions and practice the skills necessary to cope and feel grounded. Discussion includes effect of trauma on brain and body; self-care; mindfulness; emotion regulation; connecting thoughts and feelings; decision making a coping; planning for the future.

Parents Talk it Through

Jan. 20 - Mar. 10, 2023

Do you find parenting in a new culture stressful? Are you looking for ways to connect with your child? Join Carizon to Talk it Through with parents just like you where you can learn and share strategies.

Let's Talk Winter Sessions:

Weekly on Wednesdays between

Feb. 1 - Mar. 22, 2023, 4:30PM - 7:30PM 

Let’s Talk is a free program for newcomer youth ages 14 - 21 that focuses on academic and career guidance. Their Winter Sessions will be starting soon. They will take place in the KPL Central Library located in 85 Queen Street North, Kitchener. During this 8-week free program, youth will be connected with various community and career mentors for support and guidance based on their needs and interests. Let's Talk participants will also gain volunteer hours, meet new friends, practice their English, and more as they become empowered to reach their future career and education goals.

Registration is now open for the KWMC Let's Talk program!