Samblo arrived in Canada in 2024, determined to become a part of his new community while improving his English and meeting people from a variety of cultures. To Samblo, Global Gathering Place seemed like the perfect place to build connections, learn from others, and give back by volunteering.  

Samblo’s journey with Global Gathering Place began in Coffee and Conversation, one of our longest-running programs for welcoming newcomers to develop their English in a supportive setting. He then participated in our Skills Building programs, Employment Ready, CHEF, and IELTS preparation, and successfully completed our English classes and computer programming courses. In 2025, we were thrilled to welcome him to our volunteer team, where he has brought his talents and warmth to Rachel’s CLB 1-2 class on a weekly basis.

Samblo was motivated to continue his volunteering because he could see the positive impact that it had on the people he encountered. He says that “seeing participants become more confident, improve their English, and feel less isolated is incredibly rewarding. I also appreciate the warm atmosphere and the support of the GGP team.”

Samblo most enjoys that volunteering gives him the opportunity to meet and connect with others. “Every week, I have the opportunity to connect with individuals from all over the world. Learning about their stories, cultures, and experiences reminds me that, despite our differences, we all share similar hopes and dreams.” He also notes the enjoyment of watching people come out of their shells. Samblo says that he loves “watching participants who were very shy during their first sessions become confident English speakers a few months later and build genuine friendships. Witnessing that transformation is truly inspiring and rewarding.”

Samblo shares that volunteering has helped him better understand the experiences of immigrants and refugees from many different countries. It has taught him to see the world with greater openness, empathy, and respect for different cultures, strengthening his belief that diversity is a true strength.

Samblo says, “Global Gathering Place is much more than a community organization. It is a place where people feel welcomed, supported, and valued. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to volunteer there. This experience has helped me grow personally, develop new skills, and contribute, in my own way, to building a more inclusive and connected community.”

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Samblo for his dedication, warmth, and the genuine connections he has built within our community. It is deeply meaningful to us to see volunteers like him make such an impact in helping fellow newcomers practise English and support them through their settlement journey.

Samblo has accepted a position as Event Coordinator with the Société historique de la Saskatchewan in Regina. We wish him all the luck in this new position but know that he will be missed deeply here in Saskatoon as a vital part of our community.