Young Jong Kwon and his family arrived in Abbotsford from Seoul Korea in April. Speaking through an interpreter he says that life has not been that big of an adjustment here because people are very nice and friendly.
Miriam Sanchez and her extended family came to Abbotsford from Mexico late in 2006. She agrees and adds that as a newcomer, it has been easy to find people willing to help the family.
Both families found their way to Abbotsford Community Services through a school based outreach program that helps immigrant and refugee students and their families. Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) is a partnership of the BC Ministry of Attorney General, the Ministry of Education and ACS. Services include reaching out to new arrivals in the school district, providing information and orientation about Canadian culture, particularly about schools and the BC education system. ACS staff refer and assist students or their families to access school or community programs and services. Cultural interpretation and facilitating culturally sensitive communication between school staff and the students and their families over non-educational issues is also provided.
ACS settlement worker Dora Arriola helped Miriam with language barriers, enrolling her in ESL classes, and connections in the community. Dora also helped register Alfredo at a local elementary school. Miriam comments, “Without SWIS I would feel lost and not know about anything. I like it here and feel there is lots of future for my children.”
The Kwon family are in the community on Young’s student visa. He will attend Trinity Western University this fall to advance his counseling education. When he completes his degree in three years, he intends to return to Korea to work with seniors and youth. The Kwon children are enrolled in Terry Fox and Chief Dan George Elementary Schools. Yohan, Yosep and Sion all say they enjoy school even though it is difficult at times to figure out what is going on in classes. But they have no trouble communicating with their new Canadian friends. Young’s wife Eun, is thrilled that the children are happy and doing well at school.
Both families are thankful for the SWIS outreach program. SWIS staff have been very helpful and allowed them and their families feel comfortable in their new home.