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June 29, 2007 · Volume 8  Issue 06
 Circulation 7,085 Subscribers
 
 
Minister Colle Announces New Teach in Ontario Services
by Vimla Luchmun, Patricia Robertson and Karen Gill (Teach in Ontario)
Hon. Minister Mike Colle, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, renewed the Ontario government’s commitment to the Teach in Ontario program and Internationally Educated Teachers, at Skills for Change on June 7th, 2007.

The announcement of new services will continue to empower and prepare Internationally Educated Teachers for employment in Ontario schools. The event hosted more than 50 people including officials and staff from the Ministry, the Ontario College of Teachers, the Ontario Teachers’ Federation, Skills for Change and Internationally Educated Teachers.

The event started off with a welcome message from Skills for Change Executive Director Jane Cullingworth.

Minister Colle then officially launched the new services of the Teach in Ontario program which will include a Classroom Immersion Module, a Professional Coaching Module and Supply Teaching Workshops. These new services will allow Internationally Educated Teachers to gain much needed Ontario teaching experience, which has proved to be a hurdle for many.

Minister Colle expressed his Ministry’s pledge to help sustain the program that contributes to the diversity found in the Ontario classrooms by encouraging Internationally Educated Teachers to be employed in the Ontario system of education.

Minister Mike Colle was followed by speeches from the Project Manager of the Teach in Ontario program as well as the Ontario Teachers’ Federation.

In addition, Mary Leung, a graduate of the Teach in Ontario STIC (Sector Terminology, Information and Counselling) and Language Upgrading programs, shared her teaching experiences and transitions from Hong Kong to the Ontario classroom. Her speech was evocative of the tremendous support she received from Teach in Ontario program, which has helped her secure employment with the Toronto District School Board.

Minister Colle’s commitment to Teach in Ontario was further highlighted with his visit to a Language Upgrading class offered in partnership with the Toronto Catholic District School Board, specifically designed for Internationally Educated Teachers. There he spoke to the teachers about the importance of professional development and continual upgrading of skills necessary for the teaching profession.

He also encouraged the teachers not to give up on achieving their goals and dreams.

The announcement of the new services has sparked great interest and a surge of excitement amongst the Internationally Educated Teachers. Minister Colle’s visit to Skills for Change and announcement of the new services was greatly appreciated by all.
 
 
 
New Pioneers Awards (NPA) Book Launch
by Dave Lovelock, Resource and Development Unit

We are proud to announce the release of our new 15th anniversary commemorative book called "The New Pioneers: Building a Strong Canada."

This launch took place on Thursday June 28 at Skills for Change and was attended by over 50 NPA Award recipients, sponsors, employers, funders, media and staff.

The launch is a living example of how Skills for Change and accomplished NPA Award recipients come together to create and celebrate a model of excellence for other newcomers.

It reflects the true spirit of our NPA tagline: "to celebrate those who have gone first and so prepared the way for others."

(L-R) Ceta Ramkhalawansingh (Community Service 1999), Klaus Nienkämper (Entrepreneurship 2003), Andreas Mandelis (Science & Technology 2004), Kim Hoang Trinh (SfC Graduate 2006), Norman Salansky (Science & Technology 1998), Kim Hua (Entrepreneurship 1993), Soheil Parsa (Arts 1995), Jane Cullingworth (Executive Director), Rina Singh (Arts 1994), Eric Acuna( SfC Graduate 2005), Alex Jadad (Science & Technology 2002), Kowser Omer-Hashi (Education 1995)

The New Pioneers book showcases 15 selected NPA Award recipients.

It details the barriers they faced and the accomplishments they have made in such areas as the arts, community service, science and technology, education and training, entrepreneurship, as well as recognizing youth and Skills for Change program graduates.

One of our guest speakers, Dr. Alex Jadad, 2002 NPA Award recipient (Science and Technology), invited all award recipients to work together as alumni to champion support for all newcomers in their efforts to be officially recognized in the chosen professions and help them move forward in their career and lives in Canada.

Dr. Jadad eloquently said that as immigrants "We need to stop begging. We need to stop asking for recognition.  We need to start assuming our responsibility as that force that will help us survive."

The next stage in our commemorative book launch is to send a complimentary copy to major corporations across the GTA and to all key immigrant serving agencies across Canada and invite them to adopt our successful NPA model of recognition for the immigrants and refugees they serve in their respective communities.

If you are interested in receiving a copy, please contact us at 416.658.3101 ext 223.
 
 
 
Nominate a 2008 New Pioneers Awards Recipient
Since 1993, the New Pioneers Awards (NPA) has showcased the outstanding contributions made by immigrants and refugees within the Greater Toronto Area.

Today, the NPA has become one of the GTA’s landmark celebrations.

Sometimes referred to as the “Oscars of Diversity,” the NPA is a unique event that positively and publicly acknowledges newcomers and their achievements across the six award categories.

On February 28, 2008, Skills for Change will host the 16th Annual New Pioneers Awards gala to celebrate six new award recipients, along with three levels of government, senior corporation representatives, community leaders and media.

We invite you to nominate a newcomer who has significantly contributed to our GTA community in one of the following six award categories: Arts, Science & Technology, Community Service, Youth, Entrepreneurship and Skills for Change Graduate.

 Information on how to nominate by mail, fax or on-line can be found here.

For further information call (416-658-3101 ext. 261) or email Samantha Koon.
 
 
 
Construction & Maintenance Electricians Program (CMEP)
by Jalileh Helalat, IAT

In the fall of 2007, Skills for Change, in partnership with the City of Toronto – Social Services Division, will be offering the Construction and Maintenance Electricians Program (CMEP) to clients who are on Social Assistance.

The objective of this program is to enable participants to hasten their entry as journey persons in their fields by leveraging their experience and education.

This program will also provide hands-on training and exam and employment preparation that will lead to obtaining a Certificate of Qualification (CQ) and full-time employment in their fields.
 
 
 
Are You Comfortably Unemployed?
If yes, then please disregard the following message from the Skills for Change Employment Resource Centre Coaching Team, 1139 College Street.

However, if you are not comfortably unemployed and want to Fast Track your way to employment, consider our one2one Coaching Services.

My Resume is Not Working!
Let us help you fashion an attractive and effective resume, one that accurately reflects your specific job objective. We will edit your existing resume, making sure that it is formatted appropriately for your situation, that your terminology is correct and that you have included buzz words and key phrases. We will also proofread for typos and grammar and spelling mistakes.
Monday & Tuesday at 10 a.m.
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday at 9 a.m.
First-come, first-served

Cover Letter First Aid
You’ve written a cover letter but no one is reading it. This “fix-it” session will help you personalize your cover letter, focus it on the job you want, match your qualifications with employment requirements, and make a good first impression that will motivate an employer to invite you in for an interview.
Monday & Tuesday at 10 a.m.
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday at 9 a.m.
First-come, first-served

Mock Interview - Gearing Yourself Up for an Interview
Nervous about an upcoming interview? We will develop a customized Mock Interview based on the actual position, company or industry you are targeting. Learn what types of questions to expect, how to respond to tough questions, and how to present yourself confidently using positive body language.

You will be able to rehearse for the actual interview under the guidance of a professional. We will videotape your practice session and give you feedback as we review your interview.

Book in advance at Reception by handing in a copy of your Cover Letter, the Job Advertisement for which you are applying and Resume. One of our Coaches will contact you to set up a mutually convenient date and time for the Mock Interview.

Fashion Models Need a Portfolio – and so do Professionals Like You!
This private coaching session will cover the what, why, when, where and how of portfolio building: What will you include in your portfolio? When and where will you use your portfolio? How will you actually organize your portfolio and use it strategically for self-marketing and job search purposes?
Call 416-572-0790 to book an appointment
 
 
 
CES Reaches Out To Filipino Newcomers
by Norma Bernal, CES

The Clerical Employment Services (CES) program reached out to GTA’s Filipino-Canadian community by participating in the “Newcomer Orientation Program for Filipino New Immigrants, Contract Workers & their Families.”

Filipino-Canadians are a demographically significant lot. With a population size of 85+ thousand in Toronto or 150+ thousand in Ontario, they comprise the fourth largest immigrant ethic group.

Filipino newcomers and long-time immigrants are a major source of participants, not only for CES but also other SfC programs. Even contract workers, in search of good and reasonably-priced upgrading programs, have started patronizing SfC TechSkills courses.

The newcomer orientation held on May 27 at St. Pascal Baylon in Thornhill is the 25th in a series of quarterly/semestral seminars held by the Catholic Community Services for York Region (CCSYR) together with the Philippine Consulate General-Toronto with funding from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

Now in its eighth year of implementation, it is the longest running orientation program serving the settlement needs of GTA’s Filipino community.

A total of 161 participants came to the latest session bringing the total served to upwards of 3000.

While the majority of participants are Filipinos, newcomers from other countries including Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, Mexico, Greece, and Russia have also attended.

CCSYR’s area of service jurisdiction is the York Region but by popular demand, participation was drawn from other parts of GTA as well, with some coming from as far as Hamilton and Burlington.

A complete package of basic settlement programs, resources, and information was presented for two groups: adults and youth. The Adult Program covered topics in two categories:  ‘Living in Canada’ and Worker’s Rights under ‘Life Skills’.
 
 
 
Our Most Recent Citizen
by Jane Cullingworth, Executive Director

Manoj Paul is pictured holding the
right top corner of the flag.

Skills for Change's Manager of Accounting and Finance recently became a Canadian citizen.

Manoj Paul and his family were sworn in as Canadian citizens at a ceremony early in the month. Manoj came into work after the ceremony full of joy and excitement at his new citizenship. A celebration was quickly organized over the lunch hour that included much cake and good fun!

At the event, Manoj (draped in a Canadian flag) said...
"my family and I are very happy and excited to become a part of the Canadian family. I believe, with the new duties and responsibilities, we will be able to uphold the true values of Canadians and contribute much more in making Canada a strong and a wonderful place to live."

 The celebration was an opportunity for many staff to share their many stories of citizenship - from those of us who have been here just a short time, to those of us who are old-timers.

We are so happy that Manoj and his family chose Canada as their new home!
 
 
SfC is Hiring!
 
 
About Skills for Change
Established in 1982, Skills for Change (SfC) is a registered, non-profit agency providing "learning and training opportunities for immigrants and refugees so that they can participate in the workplace and wider community."

It is located at 791 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario M6C 1B7.

We can be reached by phone (416.658.3101), fax (416.658.6292) or email.
 
 
 
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About our Programs and Services
 

Skills for Change
is a United Way Member Agency

Registered Charitable Organization #121471858 RR0001