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olunteers support our clients and staff in a different capacity: mentoring newcomers, practicing English with them, interpreting in multiple languages, navigating them in the community, introducing them to resources, and supporting with networking events. We would like to extend our deep gratitude to our volunteers for their unwavering commitment to supporting our staff and clients, supporting them to build a future in Canada.
Below, two of our volunteers share how volunteering with ISSofBC built their confidence and connected them with other programs, empowering them to build their own lives in BC.
When I first arrived, I felt embarrassed to speak English. Navigating Canadian culture and the job market was also daunting for me. However, ISSofBC played a pivotal role in helping me overcome these challenges.
I joined an English Conversation Circle and gained confidence in speaking English. When I was preparing to return to work after my maternity leave, the B-Hired program supported me at the right moment! Now as a volunteer Conversation Circle facilitator at ISSofBC, I feel a deep sense of pride at my progress when looking back to my early days when I hesitated to speak English to now where I’m helping others improve their own English skills.”
Shvetha Sivakumar
I arrived in Canada from Ukraine six months ago. The biggest challenges I faced when I arrived were accessing community resources and finding a job, but ISSofBC was there for me from day one. The Settlement program enabled me to learn about local community services; as a volunteer with Community Connections, I attended different events, and the Women’s Peer Support program gave me great leadership skills and taught me how to adapt in my new life in British Columbia.”
All these programs helped me feel that I live in a welcoming and inclusive community and reduced my feelings of homesickness and loneliness. They also helped me professionally, but personally, I diversified my leisure time and made a lot of friends.
Canada is my second home where I want to spend the rest of my life. I intend to continue to be an English teacher and start teaching in Canada. Job Quest and Work BC are supporting this ambition, so I am sure that I will have bigger achievements ahead with the help of such a professional and caring organization as ISSofBC.”