Children & Youth
Throughout 2018, MRCSSI engaged and built relationships with 71 high-school-aged newcomer youth; 49 of those young people (both female and male) were active participants or leaders within programs and projects. During that same period, MRCSSI delivered programs for elementary-aged girls—in schools, after-school environments, and through community-based initiatives—with 64 elementary-aged newcomer children participating. Additionally, MRCSSI collaborated with the Thames Valley District School Board’s (TVDSB) Newcomer Summer School program in July 2018: a team of 14 youth facilitators led spoken word and creative writing activities for approximately 110 elementary-aged newcomer students. MRCSSI also facilitated two leadership groups at London Islamic School, involving 21 students in Grades 4 to 8.
MRCSSI
Parent Workshops
MRCSSI developed and facilitated 18 interactive workshops for newcomer adults and parents, engaging a total of 79 unique individuals. These workshops were offered in Arabic and delivered in collaboration with the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) and community partners such as London Cross Cultural Learner’s Centre and LUSO Community Services. The workshops provided spaces for exploring themes like parenting in a new country, navigating integration challenges, and practicing self-care. According to parent feedback, the sessions addressed topics relevant to their lives, helped foster connections with schools, community agencies, and peers, supported their sense of wellbeing, and offered helpful information and practical strategies.