SfC In The News
 
December 2007
Skills for Change Celebrates 25 Years
 
by Olga Wendy Terry
 
On November 7, at the Sala Caboto' Learning Curves was pleased to attend the 25th anniversary celebration of Skills for Change.

Olga Grupp-BolandSkills for Change provides learning and training for immigrants and refugees so they can participate in the workplace and in the wider community. It also promotes the positive contributions newcomers make to society.

Its programs and services include Employment Programs and Services, Occupation Specific Information Sessions, Language Training, Settlement Services for Newcomers and a Tech Skills Program (computer training). One of the newest programs, Career Transitions for International Medical Doctors, is designed to assist these professionals to make a transition into alternative employment in the non-regulated health sector. The program also aims to educate health sector employers about the transferable skills and expertise of international medical doctors.

The New Pioneer Awards, sponsored by Skills for Change, recognizes annually the significant contribution that immigrants make to Canadian society and is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. So it was fitting that the 2002 Science and Technology New Pioneer Award recipient Alejandro Jadad was the Master of Ceremonies for the 25th Anniversary celebration.

Alex Jadad could certainly be called a global citizen as well as a Canadian. Born and educated in Colombia, he was a descendant of Lebanese immigrants to Colombia. In 1990 he moved to Oxford University in England, and then in 1995 he came to Canada as a post-doctoral fellow at McMaster University and has stayed. One of his many accomplishments has been the founding of the Centre for eHealthInnovation. In the 15th Anniversary commemorative book for the New Pioneer Awards he says to newcomers, "Do not give up. Dream big. Coming to Canada is an opportunity to recreate yourself. Here you can do as much as you dare!"

Skills for Change is active in policy discussions that help break down barriers that negatively impact immigrants and refugees. The Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act is an example of a policy Skills for Change lobbied for. This Act, which was given assent in December 2006 and is the first legislation of its kind in Canada, requires Ontario's regulated professions to ensure their licensing process is fair, clear and open.

Olga Grupp-Boland gave the closing client testimonial. As a newcomer and as the Skills for Change receptionist, she exemplifies the spirit that has built Skillsf or Change over the past 25 years. All successful organizations depend on the warmth and competence of their front line staff, and Olga is the welcoming face of Skills for Change. I have felt her warmth first hand when dropping off LearningCurves. Skills for Change is located at 791 St. Clair West. You may reach Skills for Change by calling 416-658.3101.