PIP News – May 2019
A recap of the Peterborough Immigration Partnership’s work in the month of May 2019
The Trent Community Research Centre (TCRC) at Trent University offers experiential learning opportunities for students through unique community-based research and education projects. They support local organisations with meaningful community-based research conducted by Trent students. This year, four undergraduate students at Trent completed two projects for the New Canadians Centre providing key findings on issues of importance for the NCC and the Peterborough Immigration Partnership (PIP). These projects are summarised below.
How might Peterborough most effectively help international students integrate into the community?
Research conducted by Fourth Year Economics student, Jo Ong
As part of this project, Jo conducted a literature review and environmental scan of similarly-sized cities in Ontario to learn their practices and experience in retaining international students. This project provides the Newcomer Attraction & Retention working group of the Peterborough Immigration Partnership with background information, best practices, and recommendations on retention post-graduation. Read Jo’s report here.
4th Year Economics Student Jo Ong researched best practices in international student support and retention post-graduation
Diversity & Inclusion: Developing a Community Resource for an Immigrant-Friendly Community
Research conducted by final year International Development Studies students, Jessica Topfer, Kevin Maina, and Patrick McGuinty
Through this project, the students explored Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) resources in Peterborough with a focus on immigrants and refugees. The project offers insight and context on the gaps in Peterborough in regards to D&I resources and training. The comprehensive three-part project supported the long-overdue update of the Diversity Equity Education Network of Peterborough (DEEP) list which documents service providers in Peterborough offering training on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Through interviews with newcomers and community partners, the project gleaned information from newcomers on their immigrant/refugee experiences in Peterborough, and identified areas of importance that community partners want to be trained on and supported with through the revamp and relaunch of cultural competency training offered by the NCC and PIP. Read their report here.
International Development Studies students Jessica Topfer, Kevin Maina, and Patrick McGuinty conducted research on diversity and inclusion resources in Peterborough
This year, as the NCC celebrates our 40th anniversary, Maddy MacNab’s (2018) master’s thesis on the history of the New Canadians Centre and immigration in Peterborough provides a solid background for sharing our story with the community.
Community-based research projects completed by students provide the NCC and PIP with vital data, background, and recommendations on important issues that we require in order to improve service delivery.
The TCRC has been a tremendous support and partner to the NCC and PIP for several years with at least one project being completed each year. Simultaneously, while the NCC benefits from the research, experiential learning opportunities and mentorship are provided to students to enhance their learning and engagement – a true representation of #BringPeopleTogether.
The TCRC is now accepting community-based research proposals for September 2019. Please contact Ryan Sisson, Coordinator, Trent Community-Based Research by email or phone: 705-748-1093.
Established in 2008, the Peterborough Immigration Partnership (PIP) is a community-based partnership of individuals & organisations (including the NCC) which envisions a community where the meaningful economic, social and cultural integration of newcomers ensures a prosperous and inclusive community for all.
Please contact us for more information and to become involved in this partnership.