By Zara Khurana, Communications Generalist MOSAIC’s impact on immigrant integration
September 11-17 is #WelcomingWeek2023 in Canada and around the world! It is an annual opportunity to recognize and celebrate the people, places and values that help everyone feel welcome in their local community, no matter where they come from. We share the story of Ruslana Sylva, a Ukrainian woman fleeing from the war and finding a home in Canada.
In 2022, Ruslana Sylva experienced many difficult challenges as a newcomer in Canada. Learning English for effective communication was key for her as a gateway to better job prospects, leading her to join MOSAIC’s Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) for free English classes.
MOSAIC went beyond being just a language school for Ruslana, as she found information, advice, and support that helped her fit into Canadian society. Ruslana is thankful for her teacher’s dedication to ensure everyone’s success.
At MOSAIC’s Job Fair, Ruslana was successful with Providence Health Care, a non-profit organization, providing services in partnership with the Vancouver Coastal Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority. Reconnecting with a manager who had previously interviewed her, Ruslana found a job as a dietary aide at Providence. MOSAIC’s impact on immigrant integration
As she prepares to move forward in her journey, Ruslana reflects on MOSAIC’s role in her successful transition to a new country. She says, “MOSAIC is more than an organization; it’s a dynamic community that empowers immigrants to navigate the complexities of a new homeland. The skills acquired, the experiences lived, and the community built during my time with MOSAIC have been invaluable to me.”