Happy Holidays! Check Out Our New Website!

Happy Holidays! 

The new CIES website and blog is up and running! Be sure to check us out (and bookmark) and see our updated services at www.immigrant-education.ca

Included with this new launch are features like live-chat (another way to reach us), Google translate for 60+ redesigned and easier to read pages (available in 38 languages), online registration for programs, and at long last fully-responsive mobile access for the site on Android/iOS devices. 

We also have a newly refurbished Job Postings section for individuals looking to start a new career with us at CIES. To ensure that all our correspondence is collected in one easy-to-find place, all future blog posts will be on our updated immigrant-education site (rather than here on blogspot.com). Feel free to change your links to: https://www.immigrant-education.ca/news/blog/

We'll see you there!

The Passing Of Our Colleague, David Wright

It is with deep sadness that we share the news that David Wright, Coordinator for CIES' Employment Skills Training program, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, November 23rd, 2016.

Over the past 4 ½ years with CIES, David Wright has brought to our Society a burning passion for helping others, a warm heart and a friendly face to CIES’ students and staff. His contributions to the EST program and the community were far-reaching, and his presence in the classroom and local employment fairs will sorely be missed. We have not only lost a colleague but a friend as well.

Details surrounding the celebration of David’s life and funeral arrangements will be posted at CIES' northeast and southeast locations when information becomes available. 

David leaves behind his wife and three daughters. If you feel inclined to help and would like to help support the family during this time, please contact Shevaughn (SE) or Gillian (NE) who will be collecting donations for the Wright family until Friday, December 3rd, 2016.

SE Location: 403-235-3666

NE Location: 403-291-0002

UPDATE: November 25, 2016 - David Wright's funeral has been scheduled for the following:

Date: November 28, 2016

Time: 10:30am

Location: McInnis & Holloway Crowfoot location

Address: 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W., Calgary, Alberta T3G 2T3

“Those we hold close to our hearts never leave us.

They live on in the kindness they have shared and the love they brought into our lives.”

CIES' Yard/Bake Sale for the United Way

On Thursday, November 17 at our northeast Welcome Centre, and Tuesday, November 22 at our southeast location, CIES had the pleasure of hosting a joint yard sale and bake sale run by students to raise money for the United Way Campaign. 

Students had the opportunity to rent their own table where they sold handcrafted goods or baking, with 100% of the table rental supporting the United Way which assisted over 177,000 people in 2015. A great opportunity for students to meet one another and practice their employment and English skills, this fundraiser also allowed many to show off their hidden talents for arts, crafts, cooking, and clothing design.

The extra proceeds made from sales at these tables were left to the students' discretion, but we're pleased to announce that several classes pledged their profits to the United Way's campaign and the mission to improve lives and build communities here in Calgary.

Here are some of the photos from the event. To see the complete album, check us out on Facebook.

New Dates for Empowering Syrian Refugees (ESR)

We're proud to announce a series of new dates for our Empowering Syrian Refugees (ESR) program coming up later this month, this time located at our CIES Southeast Location.

The Empowering Syrian Refugee program is a City of Calgary-funded initiative designed to equip Syrian Refugee clients of CIES with the knowledge needed to smoothly transition into a productive and fulfilling life in Calgary.  Through this program, newly arrived refugees will obtain the ability to find ways to cope with challenges and barriers associated with relocating to a new culture. Two life skills workshops constituting the first component of the ESR program are offered during the last week of every month in the following areas:

“RESOURCE INFORMATION AND DECISION MAKING FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES IN CALGARY”

When:

Workshop 1: November 28th @ 9am - ‘Navigating Resources’
Workshop 2: November 30th @ 9am – ‘Decision Making’

Workshop 1: December 19th @ 9am - ‘Navigating Resources’
Workshop 2: December 20th @ 9am – ‘Decision Making’

Where:

CIES Southeast Location

1723 - 40th Street S.E., Calgary, AB. T2A 7Y3

Phone: 403-235-3666

We hope to see you there! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Cesar Suva at 403-235-3666 and we'd be more than happy to help.

CIES' New Employment Training Program -- It's EASSY

CIES is proud to be partnering with Service Canada for our Economic and Social Integration of Syrian and Other Immigrant Youth (EASSY) Program.

EASSY provides clients with 8-weeks Group Based Employability Skills (GBES) and 30 hours on-the-job paid Work Experience (WE) for 12 weeks to develop their skills and Canadian experience. EASSY assists youth in overcoming multiple barriers to employment, and to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to make a successful transition to the labour market or return to school. Over this time we will also provide mentoring support, offer one-on-one employment counselling, accompaniment and referral services.

To be eligible for EASSY, clients must:

• Commit to 8-weeks of GBES and 12-weeks of Work Experience
• Be between 15 - 30 years old
• Not be collecting Employment Insurance (EI) or financial assistance
• Be actively looking for an employment or willing to go back to school to enhance their career​

CIES would like to extend our thanks to Service Canada for their generosity and for more information, give us a call at 403-291-0002.

CIES Fundraising for the United Way Campaign

As part of the United Way Campaign, CIES will be organizing a pair of Yard Sales/Bake Sales that will be running on Thursday, November 17 (Northeast Location) and Tuesday, November 22 (Southeast Location). Each class/individual can rent a table for $5 and all proceeds of the table rental go to our partners at the United Way. Profits earned beyond the rental of the table go directly to class/individual running the table and students can sell their old clothes (in good condition), food and snacks, and arts & crafts to other students and members of the community who feel like stopping by!

These events will be held in the Assembly Room (NE 10am-12pm) and B-10 (Southeast 12:30pm-2:30pm). Here is a list of some the the classes participating:

Northeast Location (November 17th)

NE Lit 1, 2, 3-4 and NE CLB 1-2 A, 1-2 B – from 10:00 am to 10:30 am

NE CLB 2/3 PTam, NE CLB 3A and NE CLB 3B – from 10:30 am to 11:00 am

NE CLB 4A and 4B, NE CLB 4/5PT am – from 11:00 am to 11:30 am

NE CLB 5, NE CLB 6, and NE CLB 7/8 –  from 11:30 am – to 12:00 pm.

Southeast Location (November 22nd)2 ABC classes, SE CLB 2FT, SE CLB 1/2PTam – from 12:30 pm to 13:00 pm

SE CLB 1FT, SE CLB1/2FT, SE CLB5/6PTam – from 13:00 pm to 13:30 pm

SE CLB 6/7FT, SE CLB 4/5 FT – from 13:30 pm to 14:00 pm

SE CLB 3FT, SE CLB 3/4 PTam, Literacy FT – from 14:00pm to 14:30 pm

We welcome everyone to come check out what our students have to offer!

Happy Halloween from CIES

Halloween is a very special to many staff and students at CIES. Today, several of the classes had spooktacular activities or holiday-themed events, and the Care for Newcomer Children team took their costumed kids upstairs for some in-house trick or treating, escorting them from classroom to classroom to collect candy.

Even though Halloween ends at the stroke of midnight tonight, there are still several activities in Calgary to check out if you're still eager to feel a shiver up your spine. The Deane House (located at Fort Calgary) is one of Calgary's most notorious haunted buildings, and The Prince House (located at Heritage Park) has been the spot of ghost sightings for years.

For a list of other strange or scary places, be sure to check out Global News' Virtual Ghost Tour for 10 frightening haunts.

Whatever you choose to do tonight, we wish you a safe and Happy Halloween from all of us here at CIES!

Heads Up: What IS our Empowering Syrian Refugees Program?

Things might be starting to get cold outside, but CIES' Empowering Syrian Refugees (ESR) program is just heating up! So what is it, exactly? Well, it's an answer to these few questions:

ü  Are you new to Calgary?

ü  Are you looking for information about resources in the city?

ü  Are you in need of help making informed decisions about your life in your new community?

ü  Are you struggling to find a meaningful place in Calgary?

ü  Are you looking for an advice and mentorship from a more established Calgarian?

ü  Are you looking for information about career opportunities in Canada?

The Empowering Syrian Refugee program is a City of Calgary-funded initiative designed to equip Syrian Refugee clients of CIES with the knowledge needed to smoothly transition into a productive and fulfilling life in Calgary.  Through this program, newly arrived refugees will obtain the ability to find ways to cope with challenges and barriers associated with relocating to a new culture. Two life skills workshops constituting the first component of the ESR program are thus offered during the last week of every month in the following areas:

Navigating Resources – an introduction to locally accessible organizations, institutions and agencies that offer resources regarding financial planning, health care, education, legal advice, community services, day to day activities and immigrant serving agencies.

Self-Assessment and Decision-Making – this workshop focuses on effective decision making processes using the resources discussed in the first workshop that will facilitate the transition to a new community and culture. 

Overall, the sessions are intended to provide key information that will help them to make sound decisions based on their unique needs. Each presentation lasts 3 hours and includes Arabic interpretation for participants who have limited English language ability.

One-on-one consultations - The second component of the ESR program involves one-on-one consultations with a more established Calgarian who can provide advice on how to better settle into the city and begin pursuing life goals. Clients attending the in-class sessions will schedule appointments with available advisers during the week. The volunteers will be providing clients with at least one hour-long session (follow-up sessions are optional) on resource information and support services in Calgary. They can refer the clients to specialized service providers for specific needs, and generally provide guidance on how to look for a job, where to find courses, medical services, financial services, schools, training etc. depending on a client’s particular needs. This will help newcomer refugees at CIES make sound decisions with enough information, enabling them to focus on pursuing positive changes in their lives.

So what next? Stop on by our next event:

“RESOURCE INFORMATION AND DECISION MAKING FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES IN CALGARY”

When:

Workshop 1: October 24, 2016 @ 9am - ‘Navigating Resources’

Workshop 2: October 26, 2016 @ 9am – ‘Decision Making’

Where:

CIES Welcome Centre

3820-32 st. NE Calgary

Phone: 403-291-0002

Still have questions? Concerns? Contact us at our Northeast location at 403-291-0002.

Today is Make The Month Day - Can you?

Make the Month is an interactive digital poverty simulation that enables Canadians to experience living in poverty and face decisions that will either make or break the month. This interactive experience shows Canadians the realities of surviving day-to-day, paycheque-to-paycheque and the impact that has on your overall well-being.

Make the Month was originally launched in November 2014 in Calgary thanks to collaboration between Imperial, Park Digital and United Way of Calgary and Area.

In 2015, 12 United Ways from across Canada partnered to create a digital poverty simulation for all Canadians. This new, updated simulation enables people from across Canada to experience the challenges and decisions low-income Canadians must make every day in order to make it through one month.

If you have any questions about the data used in Make the Month, please contact your local United Way.

Major Minor's Nox Album Release Party

CIES' very own Graham Mackenzie is spearheading an absolutely great project for the Calgary Community. Music is as cultural relevant as it gets in terms of the arts here in Canada, but pricey tickets and over 18 venues often leave many unable to take in shows across the city. This simple truth was the inspiration for the Major-Minor Music Project.

Major Minor is an all-ages volunteer fuelled music and arts event organization. By engaging participants at all levels of music production and community organizing, Major Minor fulfils its mission to foster a participatory creative culture through popular music concerts, arts programs, experiential learning and volunteer opportunities for all ages, especially young people. Major Minor’s programs are always all ages, with a focus on young people ages 14 to 24 and new Canadians. The programs are in the artBOX, a perfectly suited, character rich community venue in the heart of Forest Lawn.

Monthly concerts promote artistic experimentation and excellence in a professional setting, leveraging industry-standard technology to showcase music and arts. Events fuse with experiential learning opportunities and a volunteer-driven structure that engages young people and new Canadians in the arts, fosters inter-generational communication and gives constituents the skills necessary to pursue their creative and professional passions. The skills participants gain at Major Minor activate future creativity, careers and leadership within the greater creative community. Major Minor engages in the arts, develops the future of the music industry and supports a vibrant Calgary culture.

Major Minor's latest endeavour, in collaboration with Invisionaries, is the NOX album release party set for Tonight at Festival Hall - 1215 10 avenue SE. For more details see the poster below.

The CIES Chronicle

So far this year onward and upward has been the theme for CIES as we have nearly doubled in size since the onset of 2016. Our latest newsletter highlights our expansion and as always the Chronicle serves as a window into what we as an organization are involved with for staff, instructors, clients, potential clients and stakeholders.

In the end, our newsletter, like our blog, is a representational tool, as we hope to spread word about our existence, and let people know the many great services we provide for the immigrant and newcomer populace of Calgary. Please send us your ideas and suggestions for features and stories for upcoming issues, as we would love to hear from you and enjoy our first edition of the Chronicle. CLICK HERE to download the latest issue of the Chronicle.

EST @ CIES

The Employment Skills Training program (EST) launched in 2009 has now about to complete its 8th year of helping financially challenged newcomers in Calgary find suitable employment. This year however, the EST program, which has always only been offered at our SE location in Forest Lawn, is now also available at our NE Location in Whitehorn.

With an average 75% success rate the program has been very successful. Over 600 students have now completed the program, with EST students improving their workplace knowledge, their marketable skills, increasing their self-esteem and confidence levels, and securing suitable employment. The best part is that the EST program is a free, full-time program for permanent residents and refugees that have been in Calgary for less than 5 years.

This 310 hour (3 Month) program includes computer training in Microsoft Office, hardware and software training, business communications training including Canadian Business Culture, and job finding strategies as well as targeted cover letters, resumes and interview skills.Numerous guest speakers from different economic sectors present to the EST students about Canadian Business Culture, soft skills, interview techniques and how to secure a suitable job in Canada. There is also an optional one month voluntary job practicum at the programs end. For a both a testimonial as well as a full summary of the program simply click the below, or simply give us a call at 403-235-3666.

Career Education and Settlement Immigration Fair

The third annual Calgary Career, Education and Settlement Immigrant Fair is coming back to the Telus Convention Centre (South Building, MacLeod Hall, 120 9th Ave SE) on Monday, October 17, 2016, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., offering a unique and exciting environment for immigrants who are looking for information and inspiration as they look for jobs, go back to school, and settle into their new home. Free admission!

The 3rd annual event is expected to be bigger than ever, with:

• Diverse exhibitors, including career advisors, education institutes and social service agencies
• An interactive Resumé Clinic (bring your Resumé to get free advice)
• A new interactive networking session run in co-operation with Toastmasters
• Inspirational speakers’ lineup, including keynote speaker Miroslav Reljic of Reljic Coached
• A Q & A panel session on how to start a small business
• An English pronunciation class
• Sessions on IELTS test preparation and Express Entry and How to become a CPA
• Plus, an onsite Citizenship Ceremony at 10 a.m.

CIES Acknowledges World Peace Day

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. The Day’s theme for 2016 is “The Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace.”

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals were unanimously adopted by the 193 Member States of the United Nations at an historic summit of the world’s leaders in New York in September 2015. The new ambitious 2030 agenda calls on countries to begin efforts to achieve these goals over the next 15 years. It aims to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.

The Sustainable Development Goals are integral to achieving peace in our time, as development and peace are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. Sustainability addresses the fundamental needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Modern challenges of poverty, hunger, diminishing natural resources, water scarcity, social inequality, environmental degradation, diseases, corruption, racism and xenophobia, among others, pose challenges for peace and create fertile grounds for conflict. Sustainable development contributes decisively to dissipation and elimination of these causes of conflict and provides the foundation for a lasting peace. Peace, meanwhile, reinforces the conditions for sustainable development and liberates the resources needed for societies to develop and prosper.

Every single one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals is a building block in the global architecture of peace. It is critical that we mobilise means of implementation, including financial resources, technology development and transfer, and capacity-building, as well as the role of partnerships. Everyone has a stake and everyone has a contribution to make.

source: un.org

CIES to Attend YYC Culture Days Block Party

The 2016 Culture Days Block Party will take over Olympic Plaza from 11am to 2pm on Friday, September 30! Make a special trip downtown or take an extra long lunch and experience The City of Calgary’s official kick-off to a three-day celebration of our city’s vibrant art and cultural life.

You will enjoy everything from cultural music and dance performances, glass blowing, print art and speed painting demonstrations, to circus skills instruction, Capoeira and even Baby-Boomer Karaoke. In addition to the space being alive with art, song and interactive cultural activities, you’ll discover what organizations in Calgary have to offer including Calgary Arts Development, the Glenbow Museum, Calgary Philharmonic, Theatre Calgary and the National Music Centre.

September also 30th marks day 93 in the Canada 150 countdown to 2017, which will be the 150th anniversary of Canada as a nation. What does Canadian culture mean to you? We’ll be asking Calgarians to answer that question in one or two words and then get their photo taken at our official Canada 150 photo booths. Share your photo using #Canada150 and #CultureDays and watch for your image to come up throughout 2017 promoting our city’s sesquicentennial celebrations.

For a full list of all the weekends events CLICK HERE and we hope to see you all there!

REDI @ CIES

The Refugee Express Drop-In ESL & Integration (REDI) project is a fast-track language training and social integration project designed for refugees to help them learn essential vocabulary and basic language skills, incorporating basic real life tasks in order to function in Calgary communities. This three-day a week project offers in-class teaching, hands-on workshops, and fields trip to help build life skills.

Starting this month, REDI began offering classes to all refugees. Classes are available for clients with CLBLA/Pre-Basic/CLB1 and offers express-access to ESL instruction (no wait-times currently) at no cost. This project is perfect for those who are sitting on the waiting list for LINC classes and helps get them up to speed with language training here in Calgary. All classes are located at our northeast Welcome Centre for New Immigrants, a short 3-5 minute walk from Whitehorn train station. If you have any additional questions, please contact the REDI project coordinator at 403-291-0002.

For more information on REDI Simply CLICK HERE.

United Way Campaign Kicks Off @ CIES

Every year, millions of employees get involved in workplace giving campaigns to support local United Way solutions that improve education, financial stability and health. The United Way workplace campaign unites employees in all offices or branches of a company, and gives them an opportunity to donate, volunteer and speak out for causes that matter to them. You can see the results in your own backyard, even as you're part of a larger mission to affect change worldwide.

The workforce campaign is about more than raising money for worthy causes; it also strengthens connections between employees and their community.  CIES kicked off its campaign this week and we are excited to get going! To get more information about workplace campaigns, contact your local United Way.

Alberta Minimum Wage Begins March to $15 per Hour

After promising wage increases in their 2015 campaign, the Alberta’s NDP government has officially begun to roll out.  The pay increase is set to roll out in stages.

This Saturday, October 1st minimum wage will be $12.20 per hour – then, a second increase to $13.60 an hour on October 1, 2017, ending with the final bump up to $15 on October 1, 2018. According to a press release, over 59 thousand Albertans currently work on minimum wage. The province also intends to change the minimum wage for servers and bartenders – this is due to the fact usually is a dollar less per hour to compensate for tips. It’s also important to note that women dominate the ranks of Alberta’s lowest paid workers. More than 60 per cent of workers who earn less than $12 are women. While not a panacea, increasing the minimum wage helps to close a systemic pay gap for women.

The move is seen as controversial or even dangerous by some, but it would be safe to say not by anyone currently making minimum wage.

Terry Fox Run

When people think of Canada, they think of hockey, snow, maple syrup and Terry Fox. A Canadian icon in the truest sense of the word, each September, thousands of Canadians participate in fundraising runs to honour his memory and continue his fight against cancer. In doing so, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised nearly three quarters of a billion dollars for cancer research in the 37 years since his passing.  More than 1,300 people participated in the Calgary run this year.

Terry Fox CC OD was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist. In 1980, with one leg having been amputated, he embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Although the spread of his cancer eventually forced him to end his quest after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 mi), and ultimately cost him his life, his efforts resulted in a lasting, worldwide legacy. The annual Terry Fox Run, first held in 1981, has grown to involve millions of participants in over 60 countries and is now the world's largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research.

Nearly 4 decades since his passing and this true Canadian Hero continues to inspire, not just Canada, but people around the world.

CIES to Participate in YYC Welcoming & Employment Fair II

Back in June The YYC Welcoming and Employment Fair was held at the Calgary Stampede Park with over 900 people attending. The intent was to showcase many of the services available to support newcomers in the Calgary area as well as employment opportunities for those with lower levels of English and lower levels of education. 

The YYC Welcoming and Employment Fair II is now scheduled to be held on October 26th at the Red and White Club/McMahon Stadium at the University of Calgary.  This time with a focus on newcomers to Calgary with higher skills/higher English speaking ability, limited work experience in Canada, and who have arrived over the last five years. A particular focus of this event will be on the Industry Associations and Professional Certification Bodies who will have information booths and can speak on industry/sector and the process to become certified in their specific profession. The various social service agencies that work with newcomers will also have information booths highlighting their services.

Getting to know the market and making connections is really the challenge for a lot of people seeking work. An event like this gives that opportunity and helps get newcomers moving on their way to success. CIES is happy to take part and looks forward to seeing you there!