Immigration Partnership Highlights | | |
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August 20 - September 22, different locations - In person or online - Free
We invite you or your organization to host a community film screening as part of the 8th Annual Waterloo Region Migration Film Festival!
This year, the festival will take place in late summer and aims to explore the promises and challenges of migration through film. Our goal is to foster open discussions and promote a sense of belonging and community. Storytelling is a powerful tool for addressing social issues, and the #WRMFF serves as an educational platform to influence perceptions and advocate for basic human rights.
You’re welcome to screen the films for your members, staff, participants, or community. For more information, please contact Abiha Syed at: Asyed@regionofwaterloo.ca
We look forward to seeing you at the 2024 Waterloo Region Migration Film Festival! Stay tuned for more updates! - #WRMigFest
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Nominate someone for the 2024 Newcomer Landlord Awards! Do you know an exceptional landlord who makes the difference?
Waterloo Region has always welcomed immigrants and refugees. The Newcomer Landlord Award recognizes landlords that go above and beyond to provide innovative, flexible, caring and affordable housing solutions for newcomers. Founded in 2016 in response to an outpouring of support for Syrian refugees, this award is presented as part of Waterloo Region's National Housing Day celebrations in November.
Nominate landlords that should be recognized for going the extra mile to help newcomers find a home in Waterloo Region. Submit your nominations by September 13, 2024: Newcomer Landlord Award Nomination 2024
Learn more about past honorees: Newcomer Landlord Award
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September 13 - 22, different locations
Call to participate in Welcoming Week 2024!
Welcoming Week is an international movement to come together as individuals and groups to celebrate our strengths and differences, and recognize that we’re at our best when everyone feels welcome and like they belong in their community. We are inviting partners to host programs and activities that promote welcoming for newcomers and others. Here are some event ideas:
- Tours: Walking, biking, museum, etc.
- Sports: Soccer, cricket, yoga, etc.
- Food: Cooking classes, tastings, potlucks.
- Design & Creativity: Fashion shows, creative showcases.
- A film screening or book club featuring an immigrant filmmaker/author or film/book related to immigration
- A networking or training opportunity for entrepreneurs of diverse backgrounds
Your ongoing work to create community welcoming is vital and makes a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Welcoming communities are successful communities!
For more information or to participate, contact Abiha Syed: ASyed@regionofwaterloo.ca
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September 25, 9 - 11:30 AM, Double Tree by Hilton, Kitchener - Free
Beyond One Size Fits All: Understand and Support the Region's Global Talent
Employers are invited to this amazing workshop to discover strategies to attract, hire, and retain top talent in Waterloo Region. Ensure no one is excluded and adapt your business practices to position your organization for long-term success in our diverse landscape. Hosted by the Workplace & Immigrant Network (WIN) and the Immigration Partnership, this workshop will equip you with knowledge and practical strategies to better attract, support, and retain a culturally diverse and talented workforce, ultimately enhancing your organization's success.
Breakfast will be served.
Register Now
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Check out the Immigration Partnership's 2023-2024 Annual Report!
This report marks the fourth year of our five-year strategy for building community through immigration. It highlights the diverse people and organizations that make up the Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership and shows how we are working together to build a stronger and more inclusive community through immigration.
We invite you to read the report and celebrate the progress we have made together. Our shared efforts are helping Waterloo Region become a better place for everyone.
Learn more and share: IP Annual Report 2023 - 2024
Accessible PDF: IP Annual Report 2023-2024 - Accessible PDF
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Resources of session three of the Brown Bag Lunch Learning Series are available in our website!
More than 100 front-line staff of immigrant and community service organizations joined session three of our 2024 Brown Bag Lunch Learning Series. Share you feedback and help us understand the specific questions you need answered to make upcoming Brown Bag sessions more valuable for you: Feedback Survey
The resources and the recording from this and past Brown Bag Lunch Learning Series sessions are available here: Brown Bag Lunch Learning Series
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Immigrant Survey Results & Snapshots | |
The Immigration Partnership conducted the Waterloo Region Immigrant Survey in June 2023, providing almost 1,700 immigrants the opportunity to share their experiences of living, working or studying in Waterloo Region and impact organizational and community change. Check out the reports released to date to help guide your policy, program and investment decisions. | |
Find the other snapshots here:
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Public perceptions of immigration vary widely and are subject to deep fluctuations. They influence the experiences and successes of immigrants, and their desire to stay and contribute to a thriving, prosperous community. While opinions about the impact of immigration in Waterloo Region tend to be fairly positive, less favourable perceptions are held by a significant minority of the population. This report provides the highlights from local data.
Read the full report here: Public Perceptions of Immigration 2023
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Waterloo Region is set to grow to almost 1 million residents in the next 20 years, largely through immigration. This regional immigration forecast up to 2030 is a tool to support strategic, investment and service decision making and planning, to proactively meet the needs of a growing and changing population
Read the full report here: Forecast 2023 - 2030
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Immigration Partnership Resources | |
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Make your organization accessible to over 10,000 residents who don’t speak English or French by providing interpretation.
Use the "Interpretation Best Practices Checklist" here: Interpretation Checklist
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Explore antiracism resources and join our campaign at: www.racialequitywr.ca | |
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Get insights into recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and integrating the best immigrant talent with this new resource created with World Education Services.
Explore the Playbook: Waterloo Region Employer Playbook
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New to Waterloo Region? Our partners can help! | | |
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Your Voice Matters: Share Your Childcare Needs and Preferences
Children’s Services recognizes the importance of early years as a critical time for children’s development, and how the experiences of children during that time significantly impact long-term outcomes. Ethnocultural groups are invited to an engagement session where they can share their experiences, needs, preferences, and challenges related to child care. This session is an opportunity for their voices to be heard and for us to learn how we can better support their community in accessing and keeping childcare services.
If this is of interest to your community, please email Fidelia Ukueje at fukueje@regionofwaterloo.ca to arrange an in-person or virtual session that best suits your group's needs.
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St. Mary’s General Hospital invites you to join its Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC)
Your unique experiences and diverse cultural backgrounds are invaluable in helping improve care for everyone served. Members of PFAC advise and make recommendations on a number of matters, including: Inform and make recommendations about implementation and evaluation of the strategic plan; identify and prioritize opportunities to enhance patient-centered care; review and make recommendations on the implementation and sustainment of patient experience improvements; and participate in St. Mary’s committees and improvement activities to provide feedback and consultation from a patient experience perspective.
If you have used St. Mary's hospital services within the last few years and are interested in representing the patient voice and contributing to better hospital care, please contact Patrice Kean at pkean@smgh.ca or by calling 519-749-6578 extension 6867.
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Seeking Research Participants: Post-COVID Experiences of Immigrant Women in Canada
Are you a first-generation immigrant woman in Canada? You are invited to participate in a study exploring the post-COVID experiences of immigrant women. The study involves a Zoom interview lasting 1-1.5 hours, focusing on life challenges, the short-term and long-term impacts of the pandemic, recovery strategies, and access to social, community, and government support systems.
For more information, click here. To participate, please email Bidushy Sadika, PhD Candidate in Migration and Ethnic Relations at Western University, at bsadika@uwo.ca
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Building the future of hospital care, together!
Your input matters! Grand River Hospital and St. Mary's General Hospital are joining to Build the Future of Care Together. Provide your input about how a merged hospital can better serve the communities of Waterloo - Wellington.
Find the survey here and please, share it with your network: Building the Future of Hospital Care, Together
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November 25 -27, Hyatt Regency Hotel Vancouver - Hybrid
Pathways to Prosperity 2024 National Conference
The Main Conference will include plenary sessions, workshops, roundtable discussions, poster presentations, and enhanced opportunities to network with colleagues.
Learn more: Pathways to Prosperity 2024 National Conference
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Initiatives & Funding Opportunities | | |
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Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF) funding opportunity for initiatives that advance racial equity in our community
WRCF is now accepting applications to the Racial Equity Fund. There is approx. $300,000 available for organizations that are led-by and serve people across Waterloo Region who are Indigenous, Black and people of colour.
Submit your application by: September 9, 2024
Learn more: Racial Equity Fund — Waterloo Region Community Foundation
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Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) 2024 funding application deadlines
OTF has published the 2024 deadlines for their Capital Grant and Youth Opportunities Fund, as well as their Seed and Grow grants.
Deadline to submit applications:
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Promoting Welcoming Communities: A Toolkit for Communities and Those Who Support Them
Pathways to Prosperity is pleased to announce the launch of their second Welcoming Communities Toolkit. This toolkit features a variety of practices and programs that can be used to address and improve each of the characteristics of a welcoming community. The goal is to mobilize and facilitate the exchange of ideas and information related to each characteristic of a welcoming community for those who are looking to improve their practices or develop new ones.
Learn more: Promoting Welcoming Communities: A Toolkit for Communities and Those Who Support Them – Pathways to Prosperity: Canada
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Social Media Toolkit for Immigrant - Serving Organizations
The Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration & Integration (CERC) at Toronto Metropolitan University has developed a Social Media Toolkit for immigrant-serving organizations. This comprehensive resource guides organizations in building effective social media teams, developing strategies, and creating and assessing content. This toolkit is designed to empower organizations in using social media platforms to assist immigrants throughout their settlement journey.
Check it out: : CERC Social Media Toolkit 2024
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What does it mean to be a host
WR Grassroots Response is always looking for people in Waterloo Region willing to open up their homes to Ukrainian fleeing the war. The number of Ukrainians seeking shelter is not slowing and there are new requests for help every day.
If you are interested in becoming a host, there are several ways you can help.
Learn more about how you can become a host and support the Ukrainian community:
Provide Housing | WRGR (wrgrassrootsresponse.ca)
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Front-end processes for
refugee claimants
Front-end processes for refugee claimants are rapidly changing as applications are digitized and government seeks new efficiencies. This infographic has been designed to assist service providers in
keeping up with these changes.
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Un Guide Pour Tous
GuideMoi est une application mobile gratuite dédiée spécifiquement aux immigrants francophones qui souhaitent ou viennent de s’installer en Ontario. Cette application est un guide intuitif qui accompagne l’immigrant et l’oriente tout au long de son parcours d’intégration.
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Find a mentor to help you become a licensed health professional in Canada
Mentor Me aims to assist internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs) in obtaining licensure in Canada. It provides a simple solution by connecting unlicensed IEHPs with licensed IEHPs for personalized peer mentorship.
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Building capacity to support the mental health of immigrants and refugees: A toolkit for settlement, social and health service providers
The Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Project Toolkit is designed to provide a snapshot of essential information, tools, resources and examples of promising practices that can be integrated into the daily work of settlement, social, and health service providers across Canada, with the aim of building the capacity to better support the mental health unique needs of immigrants and refugees.
Learn more: Toolkit | CAMH
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Support for Deaf and hard of hearing newcomers to Canada
The Canadian Hearing Services (CHS) Settlement Program supports Deaf and hard of hearing newcomers in overcoming barriers related to settling in Canada. Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, this free program helps individuals with everyday living needs and transitioning to life in Canada. It provides assistance in areas such as housing, legal systems, technical devices, transit use, form completion, and health services, ensuring newcomers understand their rights, responsibilities, and can access community resources.
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Settling in French in Ontario - Settlement Guide
The "Settling in French in Ontario – Settlement Guide, " includes information about the IRCC-funded Francophone SPOs across the Ontario region as well as information about the French school boards and provincial ministry services.
The objective of this guide is to provide front-line staff at Anglophone organizations with easily accessible information to help facilitate referrals.
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The End of Asylum? Evolving the Protection System to Meet 21st Century Challenges
This report sets out a vision for the ongoing evolution of the international protection system, with a focus on the future of asylum. It analyzes promising developments and best-in-class ideas around facilitating orderly entry, ensuring system efficiency, and building regional capacity, and how these elements could foster a system that is better at providing protection for those who need.
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La Communauté en Français | | |
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Sondage 2ELGBTQIA + francophone
Ce sondage a pour but de connaître les expériences de santé de la communauté francophone 2ELGBTQIA+. Vos réponses permettront d'identifier les principaux obstacles et de développer des stratégies pour améliorer les services de santé. L'enquête prendra environ 10 à 15 minutes.
Répondre ici: Sondage 2ELGBTQIA+ francophone
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Guide d’accueil pour les nouveaux arrivants francophone
Lors de la Semaine d’Accueil Ottawa (SAO), Le Réseau de soutien à l’immigration francophone dans l’Est de l’Ontario (RSIFEO) a officiellement lancé son guide d’accueil intitulé : "91 gestes pour accueillir un.e nouvel.le arrivant.e francophone dans l’Est Ontarien".
Plus d'informations: 91 Gestes pour accueillir un.e nouvel.le arrivant.e francophone dans l'Est Ontario
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National Newcomer Navigation Network (N4)
30 octobre, 13h - Online - Free
PRAIDA : Stratégies de soutien aux demandeurs d’asile au Canada
S'inscrire maintenant
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Flashback Episode - Behind the Business podcast
The Behind the Business Podcast is a weekly podcast created by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce that highlights the important people and issues in Waterloo region and in our community. Business and community leaders share their thoughts on the issues that affect the region and business community.
Don't miss this flashback episode with Allison Bourke, Owner/Director of Oxford Learning Waterloo: Behind the Business Podcast
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Sept. 25, 10 AM - 3 PM, Manulife Sportsplex at RIM Park, Waterloo
P4E Job Fair
P4E Job Fairs are a collaborative effort among the University of Guelph, University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College. This Job Fair is focused on full-time career opportunities and is promoted heavily to final year students and recent alumni.
Learn more
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Sept. 26, 10 AM - 2 PM, Bingemans Conference Centre, Kitchener
Kitchener/Waterloo Career Fair and Training Expo Canada
Get in front of hiring managers! Network and apply with Employer Exhibitors. Build meaningful rapports you need to advance your career in the direction that you want. Learn about exciting new career options and obtain valuable information about how to earn the credentials and diplomas you need to get the job you want with the Training Exhibitors.
Register now
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Sept. 28, 10 AM, Crowne Plaza, Kitchener
Workplace Leadership Conference Canada
Most companies in Canada and across the world are beginning to realize that to stay on top of their industry game, they need individuals who have what it takes to drive team performance and lead the company to business success and more. The ever-competitive nature of doing business today is putting greater emphasis on employers to build workforces with excellent leadership qualities that help create optimum performance and productivity. The theme for this year’s conference is Built-To-Last, and the conference topics will focus on inclusive leadership, leading with emotional intelligence, building capacity for executive leadership, driving team performance and the role of AI in improving workplace productivity. These topics will incorporate relevant research, case studies and group activities.
Register now
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Grow your Skills with Google Career Certificates!
Scholarships are now available for Google Career Certificates! No experience required – just your passion and ambition!
Scholarships are available upon application – first-come, first serve – until September 30, 2024.
Learn more: Grow with Google - First Work
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October 30, Canada wide - Hybrid
Disabilities Mentoring Day (DMD) 2024
Disabilities Mentoring Day brings people together to learn from each other,
helping to confirm important skills applicable across various jobs. Participating in DMD can boost your confidence in working with individuals with disabilities. Engage to meet new talents and make workplaces more accessible.
Register as a mentor or as a mentee: Disabilities Mentoring Day 2024
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Employment Readiness Workshop Series - Online
Are you a newcomer trying to get ready for the Canadian workforce? Kinbridge is here to help! These workshop series will help you become employment ready. Special one-time sessions feature guest speakers. Certificate given on completion of all 8 workshops
Aug. 9 - How to prepare for interviews (1)
Aug. 13 - How to prepare for interviews (2)
Aug. 16 - Workplace Communication Skills
Aug. 20 - Disabilities and Accommodation (guest speaker)
Aug. 23 - Home accounting and record keeping (guest speaker)
Register Now
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National Newcomer Navigation Network (N4)
September 11, 1 PM - Online - Free
Seeking Cultural Safety: Ethical Considerations for Newcomer Health
Register Now
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August 9, 16, 23 & 30, 1 - 3 PM, Victoria Park, Kitchener
Tatreez and Talk
Join Camino in this four part workshop series designed to introduce you to the rich and vibrant art of Tatreez (Palestinian embroidery). These workshops aim to educate about the positive impact of arts and crafts on mental health and the power of collective healing through embroidery. You are encouraged to attend as many dates as you can.
Register Now
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August 10, 2 - 4 PM, 2001 University Avenue East, Waterloo - Free
Caribbean Carnival
Come celebrate with the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region. There will be music, activities, crafts and a junior parade as we celebrate Caribbean culture and traditions! Everyone is welcome. Drop-in event.
Learn more
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August 23 & 25, Downtown Kitchener
Caribana Ignite
Experience Caribana™ Ignite, a festival celebrating a new chapter in the Kitchener Waterloo Region's cultural landscape. Hosted in partnership with the City of Kitchener and community partners, the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region, and the Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Waterloo Region, this inaugural festival will pay homage to the rich tapestry of Caribbean heritage, intertwining a dynamic array of entertainment, cultural arts, and educational initiatives.
Stay tuned!
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August 26, 5:30 - 7 PM, 480 Charles St. East, Kitchener - Free
Food Nostalgia
Nostalgia can be a great tool to enhance your well-being. Join us to explore nostalgia through food and its connection to wellbeing
Register Now
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Thursdays until August 29, 7 - 11 PM, 75 King St S, Waterloo - Free
Salsa in the Square
Enjoy free lessons, live music and dancing. All ages and ability levels are welcome, no partner or experience needed!
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September 14, 12 - 6 PM, 1548 Fischer-Hallman Road East, Kitchener - Free
KW Latin Festival
The festival is expected to attract thousands of people from the Latino and all communities in the Waterloo Region. It will have a variety of food and small business vendors, showcasing the rich culture and traditions of the Latino community.
Learn more
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September 19, 11 AM - 1 PM, Waterloo City Hall
March of 1,000 Umbrellas
This March is an opportunity to spotlight the work being done, call others to join in the movement, and celebrate the impact we have made together.
Register Now
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September 21, 12 - 5 PM, Gibson Park, 17 First St W., Elmira - Free
Multicultural Festival of Elmira
Enjoy of an unforgettable day filled with culture, fun and community spirit!
Learn more
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October 5, 3 - 6 PM, 500 Doon Valley Dr., Kitchener
Ride for Refuge
The Ride for Refuge is a family-friendly, in-person fundraising ride/walk held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 in support of charities that help people seeking hope, safety, and freedom.
Register Now
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October 24, 6:30 - 8:00 PM, Waterloo Public Library, Waterloo - Free
Tea and Tales
Join Tea and Tales with Coalition of Muslim Women to have some delicious treats and listen to some wonderful stories.
Register here: wisam.osman@cmw-kw.org or 2264992269;ext - 4003
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August 12 - 16, 1 - 5 PM, 85 Queen St. North, Kitchener - In-person - Free
Let's Talk Summer Camp
Free program for newcomer youth ages 14 -21 focused on career guidance.
For more information contact: letstalk@kwmulticultural.ca
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August 12 - 16, 2 - 5 PM, 645 Westmount Rd. E, Kitchener - Free
Skills for Success
Grow your skills with Camino's summer program in partnership with Pathways to Education
To register, please email groups@caminowellbeing.ca or call 519-743-6333 ext. 3250.
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From September - October - In-person - Free
We Belong – Introduction to Photography for Newcomer Seniors
In this introductory photography program, newcomers 55+ will learn basic photography skills and capture what belonging means to them through a camera lens.
For more information visit: Central Library: Introduction to Photography for Newcomer Seniors
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