In several of our rural communities, our staff provide Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS) services including youth connections programming. In a few of the schools, they refer to that youth programming as ‘Culture Club’. Provided once per week during the students’ lunch break, primarily to junior and senior high students, the programming strives to meet the needs of schools to create a safe and caring environment as well as to ensure the effective integration of newcomer youth.
Our SWIS Coordinator relies on the close shared partnership with school personnel for the successful delivery of services and to effectively engage youth. In collaboration, we have created a cohesive structured program to ensure content is consistent across our communities of service while still leaving room for customization at specific schools as applicable. As per our funder, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the activities are designed to facilitate the successful settlement and integration of newcomer youth and their families. Themes are centered around the needs, barriers and challenges unique to those youth who share the immigration experience and often straddle two cultures.
We celebrate diversity and connection and aim to support newcomer youth to connect with their communities and each other, often through shared experience. SWIS staff often don’t know the extent to which the ‘Culture Club’ may contribute to shaping the futures of newcomer youth.
The following is an unsolicited testimonial sent in a letter to our Settlement/SWIS Coordinator in Okotoks:
My name is Rudra Brahmkshatriy, 2023-2024 Culture Club attendee at Holy Trinity Academy High School, Okotoks, Alberta.
When I first arrived in Canada as a newcomer, the Culture Club became something that I needed the most. Leaving behind a place that was so familiar and coming to a completely unknown country, was difficult. I felt like I didn’t belong here, and because of that, I was scared to even communicate. I was ashamed of being different. However, everything changed because of the Culture Club.
Over the course of the school year, the club helped me grow as a person in ways I never expected. Surrounded by people from all over the world, I began to appreciate different cultures. The more I explored, the more intrigued and excited I became to learn about people from diverse backgrounds. I am extremely grateful to the mentors in the club who guided me through this journey. Their support made me feel welcomed and they encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone.
In no time, from a scared and hesitant newcomer, I changed into a confident person who loved making friends with everyone. I often wonder what would have happened if it weren’t for the Culture Club. I might have remained that fearful, ashamed version of myself, never aware of the wonderful community I am now a part of. Now, surrounded by people from various cultures, I’ve come to realize that there are many others like me. People who just need a little encouragement to feel at home. Many of these individuals are incredibly talented or charismatic but struggle to embrace themselves due to a lack of community.
The Culture Club and its mentors provide that sense of community, and it changes lives. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my experience in the club, it’s the importance of providing a sense of community for those in need. I will always carry this lesson with me and look out to help others feel the way the Culture Club made me feel. That is welcomed, confident, and proud of who I am.
Rudra was supported by our office in Okotoks. Learn more about the newcomer services we offer in Okotoks and area here: https://ccisab.ca/okotoks/
