The week of September 13^th to September 20^th is Welcoming Week. This is an annual opportunity to recognize and celebrate the people, places and values that help everyone feel welcome and give them a sense of belonging in their local community.

Students at the Centre for Newcomer Integration’s Language Training Centre in Steinbach were asked to reflect on the ways that they were welcomed since arriving in Canada, and to share stories about the people who have helped them along the way.

Keep reading to see what they said: 

When I arrived in Canda, I immediately felt like I belonged here. I came to Canada at the end of 2022, and I’m still going through the adaptation process. Through there are difficulties in adaptation, I often receive help from local people. I feel grateful to these people because they help me selflessly and with pleasure. I’m happy to live in Canada now.

Aleksandr

I would like to talk about the feeling I had upon arrival in Canada. I was met by a friend who I had not seen for a long time. I was very happy and excited. Canada surprised me with its beautiful nature. I haven’t seen much in Canada yet, but I think everything is in my future.

Viktoriia

I came to Canada a year ago. I felt happy because it was my dream. My friend met me at the airport. I was tired but overjoyed. I remember the sun was very bright and the sky was blue. I hope to be happy in Canada with my family.

Oleksii

I came to Canada with my family and my cat. We were very excited on the first day in Canada, because we had never been here. I was very grateful for people in Canada, who met us and helped us immediately upon arrival in Canada. I am very lucky to live in Canada, although I am not a Canadian citizen yet.

Olesia

I came to Canda with my family one year and six months ago. It happened in November. It was cold outside, around -16C. We felt the cold. Our friends met us at the airport. After that, we lived in a hotel for about two weeks. Finally, we moved to Steinbach to our Canadian friend’s Dick and Lotti. We were excited to see how our Canadian friends wanted to help us. Also, we got some houseware things from Ukrainians who have lived here longer than us.

Oleksandr

The first time I came, I visited my cousin in Montreal on July 16th, 2010. I am so happy because it is a big city, and I feel like it is the same as my country. The people speak French, I have many friends. I visited many places. It is the best day. I was very happy.

Nawel

When I came to Canda with my family, I have felt nervous, because this is a new country. Also, different people and other cultures. Time has passed and I feel better than then.

Liudmyla

My family came to Canada on October 1st in 2022. I felt good because I saw good and kind people in Canada. I felt safe in Canada. Our friends invited us for dinner, and I visited with new people in the church. I am so happy to live in Canada.

Bahar

I came to Canada with my family in October 2018. When I came at that time, it was wintertime. The first winter felt very crazy and there was lots of cold weather. But I like the nature and the people helped each other. I am so happy to live in Canda.

Dhara

We arrived on November 22nd, 2023, in Winnipeg. We had sponsored from a church. Some people came and said welcome to our family in airport from the church. Our family felt very happy. I will not forget it for the rest of my life.

Mir Abbas

When I moved here, Canada welcomed me very warmly. I was surprised to see that everyone was smiling and outgoing. Our hotel staff and some strangers tried to help me as a newcomer, so I was very grateful for that. When I met with my neighbors, I found they were kind and positive people. Now I try to welcome newcomers with the same warmth I was welcomed with.

Nataliia

When I arrived in Canada, I was not ready for a lot of the challenges that I found here. I never spoke English before, I didn’t have money, and the cold weather surprised me. Despite all this, I met many people who were waiting for me. They gave me a lot of support, care and help. I felt welcomed to Canada since the first day I arrived in Winnipeg.

Simon

Through these stories, we see that everyone has an important role to play in helping others to feel welcome.  

Continue to check the CNI News for more messages about Welcoming Week.