An Evening of Storytelling – Celebrating National Volunteer Week

Celebrating the Impact of Volunteers in Peterborough

The New Canadians Centre is fortunate to have over 400 dedicated and passionate volunteers who day in and day out impact the lives of our new Canadian friends. From tutoring English to leading language and social groups to welcoming and supporting new families, these volunteers touch the lives of newcomers.

This year, in celebration of National Volunteer Week, join us for an Evening of Storytelling to hear the experiences of new Canadians and how volunteers have touched their lives.

Ajil Almousa & Esther Izarnotegui of the NCC’s Living Library will share their stories of moving to Canada, and the vital role volunteers have played in their lives since.

Registration is required. Register here.

Speaker Bio: Ajil Almousa

When the opportunity to move to Canada came up for Ajil and his family, he was sceptical. Knowing that the language and culture would be different, he wanted to continue living in Lebanon, where the family had settled since leaving Syria in 2012. Arriving in Canada in 2016 as a 17-year old, Ajil remembers struggling with the language. But, he also remembers the warm welcome his family received in Peterborough. It made him realise that people care and want to see him succeed. Ajil reflects on these challenges and triumphs four years later, recognising that in Canada, You Can Choose Your Road. Ajil is choosing the road towards his future and proudly feels Canadian and at home in Peterborough.

Speaker Bio: Esther Izarnotegui

Esther and her family of 5 relocated to Peterborough in February 2014 from Peru. A move meant to be temporary quickly became more permanent as the family fell in love with Peterborough. The New Canadians Centre’s English Groups were where Esther not only learnt English but also built the confidence to speak, connect with the community, be herself, and be supported in improving her mental health. For Esther’s family, Peterborough Is A Drop Of Heaven where they feel welcome and supported. Five years later, while Esther’s family feels more settled in Peterborough, the challenge now emerges in how to retain their Peruvian heritage in a new country.