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Newcomers face a myriad of challenges when arriving in a new country. And nobody knows this as well as those who have lived it.
Driven by his own experience as an immigrant, Pastor Emmanuel Ige founded African Immigrant Settlement in Canada (AISIC) in 2009. His son John Ige has joined the growing NGO in its mission to empower newcomers by providing them with key tools, resources, and supports, and its vision to create a welcoming, inclusive community where every newcomer feels supported, valued, and confident in their ability to achieve their full potential in Canada.
“Immigration is complex, so we’re a source of support for other people immigrating, by offering a range of services including job search assistance, housing support, immigration services, and cultural orientation,” says Ige.
Part of the cultural orientation involves winter sessions to prepare those who are arriving just as the weather gets colder – helping them know how to plan their bus routes, and dress for the extreme cold.
Ige says that because holding a valid driver's license is a requirement for many employees, they also offer road test assistance.
“Having a driver's license is important for a lot of employment opportunities, especially if you're living in the south end of Winnipeg and there are work opportunities elsewhere in the city like Transcona or downtown. Sometimes bussing can be difficult, especially if you have kids. So our driving lessons help them get familiar with the driving rules in Canada, just to give them the confidence to be independent drivers. All of this is free.”
There are a lot of resources out there, but Ige notes that they’re often difficult to find, so AISIC connects immigrants with those government assistance programs.
AISIC also provides resources to help newcomers learn how to communicate effectively overall, as language barriers can be a challenge to securing employment and housing.
“We help newcomers navigate the rental market in Canada, understand their rights as tenants, and we connect them with affordable housing options. We also provide workshops on budgeting so they can know how to manage their finances, so they can have a home in the long term.”
Because some newcomers may not arrive with much, they also need access to technology, so AISIC provides a computer centre where they help people set up their email, learn how to conduct online job searches, finesse their resumes, and learn how to use software that may help them gain further employment, such as obtaining online certifications.
“Information is key,” confirms Ige. “Just having all the information, knowing where to get your social insurance number, knowing where to fill out your PR forms – that information can be hard to find, so we connect them with those resources. Our goal ultimately is to help them navigate the complex immigration system. It can be a lot of information all at once. Just giving them the confidence to go through that system and to maybe help others in the future.”
Moving forward, AISIC intends to expand their services, and extend their across Canada – and it begins here.
“We want to establish a centre in the south end of Winnipeg,” states Ige. “There are a lot of centres downtown already, but not as many in the south end which, transportation-wise, it can be difficult going from the south end to downtown and trying to navigate all that. So one of our biggest goals is to establish a centre in the south end.”
AISIC also hopes to offer more programs for international students.
“It can be frustrating, as international students, as professionals coming to Canada – there are a lot of setbacks with some of your certifications that may not be allowed here.”
In order to accomplish their goals and help all the newcomers they want to help, AISIC will require increased funding and support.
“We offer the best support we can,” shares Ige. “It’s really important to us so. So we’re looking for volunteers, support, and funding. Anybody with experience or connections, who would be able to volunteer their assistance or provide funding so we can offer more services, better services to really help. Because we're not doing this for ourselves – we’re trying to help other people who are new to this country.”
To volunteer or help African Immigrants Settlement in Canada, visit their website at https://www.aisic.ca/. Or contact their Founder and CEO directly by calling 204-298-7398.