Website created by Mithum & Beshmi Kularatne

Last updated January 2008

Participant Testimonials

Fenglan/ China: I feel that this program is an excellent one and it is very helpful not only for new comers but for the ones who have been here for some years yet had not had the opportunity to learn the many different skills that are helpful in finding a job here in Canada. This program helps us to build a successful future. We are also learning allot about Canadian culture and how to cope with living in a new place. The co works and participants all get along very well together and this shows us how to get along in a work place environment. I learned about the importance of volunteer work and how this type of sharing builds community and the social fabric. I think that this makes people proud because they have a belief system that we can work together to do better for our country. I have not experienced this type of volunteer work in my home country and I feel that these individuals are a good example for both myself and the other participants. The Program Coordinator is very kind, easy to talk to and very helpful. I have enjoyed this opportunity.

Farzana/ Bangladesh: When I came here to Canada I could not understand what people were saying because of their thick accents and coming here to this program has allowed me to talk frequently with Canadians. ESL helped me to improve my English by doing daily exercises. I know my English skills are growing well day by day. Not only has my English speaking skills improved but I have also learned about Canadian culture and how to cope with my life here in Canada. I have increased my interview skills and now I feel confident to face the interviewer.

Amalfi Martinez/ Columbia : I think this program is very good for the people who come to Canada because the people who work here are a great help. They show us about Canadian Culture, the job, the people, the language the complete orientation here in Canada. I learned about resumes and the importance of the detail, this was different in Columbia. Everyone is nice and I made many new friends. I can share my life because they listen and support what I want and what I feel is best for me.

Annie/ The Republic of Congo, Africa: This program has many things that are important to my life. For example I can now listen and put my attention on what people communicate to me. Before I didn't know how to take a job by email and now I do. I learn many many things that I can't even explain, but I do know it was all good. I met many new friends.

Yanqui/ China: I think that this program has encouraged my self confidence and this was very important for me because I stayed home for several years. My English skills have improved, computer skills etc. The teachers are very nice. I love that child care was provided, if it hadn't then I wouldn't have been able to come. Through this program I have gained a lot of information that I didn't know before.

Cindy/ China: I'm really glad that I have had the opportunity to be in this program. This is very useful for me and for all of us. For example this has improved my English and I have gained a lot of useful skills to help me find employment like public speaking, interview skills, and making good phone calls. This has given me more confidence then I had before taking the program. I have had more practice speaking before I used to understand but was uncomfortable speaking English. If I had the chance, I would come again! Also this program has taught me how to benefit my family. Yoga has helped me to relax and to keep in touch with how my body feels because I am a busy mom I haven't had time to take care of myself in this way. First aid and CPR is not only important for getting a job but it is important to have in my life so I can take care of my family in the case of an accident.

Abigale/ Africa: I feel that this has been a good good experience. I have learned a lot of communication skills and public speaking. I met new friends. My baby she is relaxed, I especially love that child care was provided because I wouldn't have been able to come if it wasn't. We have great hospitality here. Lunch, diapers and everything has been available if and when needed.

Samia/ Uganda, Africa: I think the program is good because I am learning many things. I learn about getting a job, computer training, interviewing, making phone calls and resume righting. We help each other to understand and by learning the interview together I feel I learned better. I learned many things and I have met many new friends here. I am so happy that daycare is available, my kids love to come and they love there teacher. I wouldn't have been able to come with out this. I didn't used to understand what some people were saying but now with many people coming together and speaking English daily I now can understand. I loved to do yoga, for me it was very good as my doctor has recommended it to me to help rehabilitate my ankle and it is good for me and my baby as I am pregnant.

Workplacement Testimonials