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Monday, May 12, 2008
The Host Program
The Host Program helps adult newcomers and their children to adjust to life in Canada and learn about Canadian values and traditions. With the assistance and understanding of Host Program volunteers, newcomers to Canada feel more at home in their new country.
The Host Program recruits and trains volunteer hosts and then establishes compatible matches between them and new immigrants of all ages. The matches are based on criteria such as similar interests, family size, age and profession.
There are no costs or financial commitments for the participants. Volunteers share their time and friendship with new immigrants during the critical first months after their arrival.
Host Volunteers
"Hosts" are Canadian friends. They lend support, help with language barriers and introduce newcomers to their new community.
What Do Hosts Gain?
As a volunteer host, you will have an opportunity to:
- Make new friends
- Learn about another country and a different language
- Discover new cultures
To find out how you can help make a difference in the life of a newcomer, contact the local Host Program at: (905) 667-7480.
Host Program for Newcomers
Through the Host program, you can meet a Canadian friend in your community who can help you settle into your new life in Canada. Your Canadian friend will help you to get to know your new community and to participate in community activities. This could benefit you as you look for a job or start using community services.
Your new friend will volunteer time to be with you and help you with such things as:
- Finding your way around and using local transportation
- Practising English or French
- Learning about community services
- Education and employment issues
- Registering your children at school
- Shopping for groceries and other items
- Introducing you to social and recreational activities
Your new friend will not provide living accomodations or money, but will help you to make your first few months in Canada easier.
To join the Host Program and make a new friend in your community, contact the local Host Program at (905) 521-9917, ext. 341
Host Program for Youth
This program is designed to match young Canadians between the ages of 12 and 18, with young newcomers 12-18 years old, to ease their transition into the Canadian culture.
Host Youth volunteers are carefully matched with young newcomers who have similar interests. It is an exciting chance to gain insights into other cultures and customs and open a whole new world of friendships.
The Host Youth Program is about:
- Support through activities, discussions, information, workshops, networking, sport activities, etc...
- Fighting isolation, peer pressure, generation gap...
- Learning respect, life skills, communication...
- Participating in Theatre Group, Homework Club, Mural Group or just hanging out...
- Support and counselling for youth, parents and teachers
To find out more, or to register for the program, contact: (905) 667-7497
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