After recently graduating from the University of Saskatchewan and facing challenges in securing a position in his field of study, Yowan decided to volunteer with Global Gathering Place based on a recommendation from his professor. He began volunteering in September 2024 in our Computer Classes and has assisted in our beginner classes all the way up to our advanced classes. 

Yowan continues to volunteer with Global Gathering Place because of the face-to-face interactions that he regularly has with newcomers. “Helping them grasp the material and seeing their understanding grow makes the experience incredibly enjoyable. I especially enjoy assisting with Excel classes—time seems to fly by. It’s genuinely fulfilling to be able to support others in their learning,” Yowan says. 

Above all, Yowan enjoys that he has the opportunity to teach. “I love being able to support others and find it rewarding to come up with different ways to explain concepts so that everyone can understand. The participants and staff are also incredibly friendly and engaging, which has made the experience even more meaningful.” 

One of Yowan’s favourite experiences from volunteering was assisting with an advanced Excel class for the first time. “The class was more challenging, which kept me actively moving around to answer questions and provide support. It also gave me the opportunity to create examples to help explain complex concepts and to witness the rewarding moment when participants began solving problems independently. It was also fun being able to show off Excel shortcuts to the more advanced students.” 

Yowan says, “I’ve come to truly appreciate how kind and eager to learn everyone is. There’s a strong sense of community among the newcomers—when multiple questions arise, I often see those who have already solved the problem stepping in to help others around them.” 

Yowan highlights one of his key takeaways from volunteering and something he especially appreciates is the teaching style of our computer class instructor, Jeff. Yowan notes that “he makes a genuine effort to ensure everyone understands the material, and his warm, welcoming presence helps create a comfortable environment for newcomers.” 

Our Digital Support Coordinator, Jeff, says, “Yowan’s volunteer work in the computer course is invaluable. With a smile and endless patience, he is always eager to help the clients reach their goals. Yowan’s dedication to GGP is something to be admired. Despite a hectic life starting when he was in university, graduating, gaining full-time employment, Yowan never failed to show up at GGP to continue his volunteer work. And you can always see the joy he gets helping newcomers in their settlement journey.”