By MOSAIC Media Team
We love seeing how newcomers to Canada get involved in the community. The Dr. Kes Chetty Education Award recognizes the work of these community leaders and volunteers. Its name honours a former MOSAIC Board member. Each winner will receive $1,000 for their education.
This year’s three recipients are committed to enriching their local community. They are MOSAIC clients or volunteers and need financial support for academic or vocational studies.
Meet this year’s three winners, nominated by MOSAIC staff, of the Dr. Kes Chetty Education Award.
Rosa Al Lawati
Rosa Al Lawati is looking for a better life in Canada for herself and her two children. Upgrading her education is a key factor in her family’s financial independence. She has an educational background in Accounting and Business Administration but is currently working to become a CPA.
Rosa has been an active community member since arriving in Canada in June 2022. She volunteers doing administration and events coordination for Harmony House. This showed her the importance of people helping each other and the impact it can have on individuals and families.
Rosa spent many years supporting others in need and now seeks support from her community to pursue her academic and family dreams.
Sean Celi
Sean Celi arrived in Canada from the Philippines in 2011. He has been an active client of MOSAIC services an advocate for the local immigrant community. He created a website for Vancouver Youth called the Vancouver Immigrant Youth (VANITY) Blog. This site includes resources for youth socialization, speaking English, and finding jobs.
Sean recently experienced several financial and family hardships. He currently financially supports his mother (after the passing of his father) and Aunt in the Philippines, in addition to his own family in Canada.
He plans to pursue a Master of Public Policy from McGill University. With his Masters, he can influence better newcomer support and programs by advocating for updated Canadian immigration policies.
Karen Wong
Karen Wong is a dedicated volunteer and advocate for BC’s immigrant and aging immigrant community. Through advocacy, she brings an intersectional lens on gender, race, culture, and immigration.
She has volunteered in various roles for the BC Association of Social Workers committees, 411 Seniors Centre, World Health Organization Global Dementia, Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Alzheimer Society, and the Canadian Mental Health Association.
At MOSAIC, Karen has been an active volunteer since 2016, working on immigrant, refugee youth, and older adult programs. She volunteered for the Multicultural Immigrant Youth Group, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and the MOSAIC Senior’s Program.
Karen is currently working on her Ph.D.. Her thesis is about the experience and support for immigrants with dementia and their caregivers in Canada
On behalf of the MOSAIC staff and community, we congratulate all 2023 Kes Chetty Education Award winners. Read more about the awards.
