By Zara Khurana, Communications Generalist
When Natalia Botero came to Canada in August 2022 from Columbia with her family, she was lost and did not know where to start. Being a newcomer with children needing to be registered to go to school at the beginning of September, Natalia felt overwhelmed and confused.
At MOSAIC, she found the guidance she was looking for with the Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) program. SWIS offers free settlement services for newcomer parents and school-age who are adjusting to their new community and schools in New Westminster. Settlement workers collaborate with schools to provide personalized assistance, workshops, and referrals to community resources. They offer one-on-one consultations, workshops, and connections to local services, and youths can benefit from mentorship, life skills training, and outings. The program also introduces newcomers to the BC school system in New Westminster schools through orientations and tours. It encourages involvement in community events, English conversation circles, and peer support groups, fostering connections and cultural understanding.
For Natalia and her family, the SWIS program helped her at the right moment. Natalia says, “MOSAIC had such a patient and supportive team that every interaction felt like a conversation with friends. The Welcome Centre made my children feel comfortable as there was plenty of assistance and comfort.” Amanuel Asgodom, MOSAIC’s settlement worker helped Natalia during her tough time. Natalia is very grateful for his help as she says, “His availability and genuine concern made me feel very comfortable. I don’t know what I would have done without his and Maniya’s [Another MOSAIC settlement worker] support.” In the program, Natalia’s children started feeling better as they participated in activities and made friends, all while receiving guidance for their education and community-building skills.
Natalia’s advice to other newcomers is to rely on community kindness. She says, “The initial confusion and doubts that come with being a newcomer can be resolved through conversation and collaboration. MOSAIC has many resources, from language programs to networking opportunities, that help shape a fulfilling immigrant experience.” Natalia emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance without hesitation and how the SWIS program helped her in her transition as a newcomer to Canada.
For more information about back-to-school support through SWIS, contact 604-517-6309 or email swis@mosaicbc.org.
