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Volunteer Finds Meaning by Giving Back to the Community That Supported Her

Laura Cuizara moved to Canada in 2024 from Bolivia, where she was met with support, kindness, and a community that welcomed her in. Just over a year later, she is the one offering that same welcome to others as a Global Gathering Place volunteer. “[GGP has] provided me with opportunities to learn, connect with the community, and better understand my new home. By volunteering, I hope to contribute to the well-being of others and help create positive experiences similar to those I have had,” Laura says.

From Santiago to Saskatoon: How Soccer Helped Our Client Connect to his New Home

In honour of Canada co-hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026, we’re happy to share a story from one of our clients on the power of soccer with its ability to unite people and offer a sense of belonging for those in new communities. Here, Victor reflects on the importance of soccer throughout his entire life and how that helped him adjust to life in Canada!

GGP Volunteer Discusses the Determination and Resilience She Sees in Our English Classrooms

Amy Yochim began volunteering with Global Gathering Place in Spring 2024 in our LINC Foundation Literacy to 1L ESL classes. Growing up in church, Amy was taught the importance of giving back within the community from a young age and due to her job doing shift work, she is able spend her days off volunteering. She landed on Global Gathering Place after a recommendation from a friend who told her it would be a great place to give her time.

GGP Client Gives Back by Volunteering and Supporting Fellow Newcomers

Originally from Azerbaijan and also holding Turkish citizenship, Zulfiyya Jafarova first arrived in Canada in 2025. Her biggest challenge was adapting to a new system—particularly understanding the Canadian job market and professional requirements. She is a trained pharmacist with experience working in both Azerbaijan and Turkey.

Staying Open-Minded and Resilient in a New Country

Umali was born in Sri Lanka, later moving to Doha in 2015, where she built a decade-long career with Qatar Airways. Recently, she relocated to Canada as a permanent resident, eager to bring her global experience into her new journey here.

Weaving Words: The Letter from Swift Current

Weaving Words is a creative writing workshop offered in partnership with the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild. Over four sessions, clients came together to learn, share, and explore their literary creativity.

Our CNC Staff Discusses What International Women’s Day Means to Them

In honour of International Women’s Day this month, we are highlighting our Care for Newcomer Children (CNC) staff as they share what International Women’s Day means to them. These dedicated women provide exceptional childminding for children whose parents participate in our English classes and programming.

GGP Client Shares What Ramadan Means to Her

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims observe this month with fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity. In 2025, Ramadan began on the evening of February 28 and is expected to end on the evening of March 30, depending on the sightings of the moon. The end of Ramadan marks the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, a three-day celebration.