Uchechi began volunteering with Global Gathering Place this year through our BrightStart! program that supports newcomer women and their young children. The BrightStart! program offers a welcoming environment for newcomer mothers to build community, access resources, and receive support as they adjust to life in a new country. This program also provides developmental activities for their children, helping them learn, play, and socialize together.

As a University of Regina faculty member, one of Uchechi’s primary responsibilities is to engage in community service that aligns with her area of expertise, maternal health experiences. She recalls having lunch with a colleague who expressed interest in her research. “During our conversation, she also shared her experience volunteering with Global Gathering Place. I was deeply impressed by her insights and became increasingly interested in learning more about the organization. Her account inspired me to explore ways I could support newcomer women and their children as they navigate an especially challenging period in their lives. Understanding newcomers’ experiences is essential, as these insights assist in informing and enhancing approaches tailored to their needs, ultimately ensuring more effective and appropriate support.”

Uchechi describes the excitement that she feels each Friday when joining BrightStart! “I have begun to form meaningful relationships with many of the women and their children. Each week, as I continue to interact with them, I see their growing comfort, trust, and willingness to share their experiences. What also keeps me motivated is the constant influx of new participants—almost every week, new women join the group. Watching them gradually connect with other mothers, build friendships, and engage more confidently with the facilitators has been incredibly rewarding. Being part of such a supportive and welcoming environment—where women uplift one another, and children continue to grow and thrive—makes volunteering with GGP a truly fulfilling experience that I look forward to every week.”

Uchechi has enjoyed every aspect of this volunteer role, as it has allowed her to meet weekly with women from diverse countries and ethnic backgrounds who demonstrate remarkable patience, endurance, and resilience. Volunteering has been able to deepen Uchechi’s understanding of Canadian society and its social norms. “Contributing to the community has given me a strong sense of purpose and has helped me feel more integrated and valued in my new environment.”

Uchechi’s volunteer position at Global Gathering Place is especially meaningful for her as it relates to her research on maternal health. “I am originally from Nigeria and have pioneered several volunteer initiatives in my home state, Kogi State. As a nurse/midwife in my country, I have conducted several voluntary activities in rural areas of Kogi East, Nigeria, providing maternal health services and health education to rural women. This activity has enhanced maternal health outcomes in these communities and enhanced the early Identification and treatment of women with maternal health complications to reduce maternal morbidity and death.”

Uchechi notes that being a volunteer with newcomers at Global Gathering Place in Saskatoon has profoundly expanded her worldview by giving her a firsthand understanding of the complex challenges that newcomers—particularly women—face as they settle in Canada. “Many struggle with language barriers, social isolation, and emotional stress, all of which can limit their access to essential services and opportunities,” Uchechi says. “I have also come to recognize that, although many of these women outwardly project resilience, they often carry a quiet yet deep longing to integrate into their new communities fully. Many newcomer women hope to reunite with their husbands and children, build a future together, and establish a sense of belonging in their new environment. These newcomer women’s consistent participation in weekly activities speaks to their determination and willingness to learn, adapt, and create better lives for themselves and their families.”

Uchechi says, “being part of the BrightStart! program has allowed me to witness the value of this space for newcomer women and their children.  The BrightStart! program provides a safe and supportive environment where they can ask questions—particularly about health, education, childcare, immunization, and navigating the Canadian healthcare system. The program not only meets their immediate needs but also empowers them with knowledge and confidence as they navigate their settlement journey.”