As we take part in Welcoming Week 2024, it’s essential to look back on the initiatives that have played a crucial role in helping newcomers build vital skills and integrate into their new community. Earlier this year, RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) hosted a dynamic networking event for CLB 7/8 students at the Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae. This event aimed to provide students with an opportunity to practice networking skills, including small talk, elevator pitches, and general conversation skills in English. 

Celebrating Welcoming Week 2024 is an ideal time to reflect on the impactful events that have helped newcomers feel welcomed into the community. Earlier this year, RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) partnered with the Manitoba Museum to host a special evening for CNI students and their families—a night that exemplified the spirit of inclusivity and learning that Welcoming Week is all about. 

The week of September 13^th to September 20^th is Welcoming Week. This is an annual opportunity to recognize and celebrate the people, places and values that help everyone feel welcome and give them a sense of belonging in their local community.

Students at the Centre for Newcomer Integration’s Language Training Centre in Steinbach were asked to reflect on the ways that they were welcomed since arriving in Canada, and to share stories about the people who have helped them along the way.

RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) is pleased to warmly welcome Carmen Puente in her new role as Strategy Coordinator.

At RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI), we believe in creating a welcoming environment where every newcomer feels they belong and have the tools to succeed. This commitment was recently demonstrated through our successful collaboration with Computers for Schools Manitoba, where we provided essential technology to help newcomers thrive in their educational and professional pursuits. 

Welcoming Week 2024 is here! From September 13th to 20th, we at RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) are excited to join communities across Canada in recognizing and celebrating the people, places, and values that help everyone feel welcome and that they belong. This week is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and celebrating the diverse contributions that newcomers bring to our community. 

What is Welcoming Week? 

Welcoming Week is an annual Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) event. It’s a time to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts that create welcoming communities where everyone, regardless of their background, can thrive. At RRC Polytech’s CNI, these values resonate deeply with our mission to support newcomers in their journey.  

How You Can Participate 

We have an exciting lineup of activities and events planned throughout the week to celebrate and engage with our diverse community: 

Student Stories: 

Throughout the week, we will be sharing personal stories from CNI students. These narratives will highlight their experiences as newcomers to Canada, the challenges they’ve faced, and the triumphs they’ve achieved. These stories will not only inspire but also remind us of the strength and resilience that newcomers bring to the community. 

Welcoming Week Community Resource Fair: 

Join us at the Roundhouse (E240) on September 16th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and September 17th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM for our Community Resource Fair. This is a fantastic opportunity to: 

• Meet CNI staff and learn more about the programs and services we offer. 
• Connect with community organizations that provide valuable resources and services for newcomers. 
• Enjoy free refreshments and snacks while mingling with community members. 
• Take a selfie at the Welcoming Week photo booth and write a welcome message . Share your photos on social media with #WelcomingWeek2024 and tag @RRCPolytech. 

Why It Matters 

Creating a welcoming community is a shared responsibility. When we embrace diversity and inclusivity, we not only enrich our cultural landscape but also foster an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This week is a reminder that successful integration is a two-way street: the more welcoming we are as a community, the more newcomers will feel at home and be able to contribute to our shared future. 

Get Involved! 

Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time resident, there’s something for everyone during Welcoming Week. We encourage you to participate in the events, share your own stories of welcoming or being welcomed, and help spread the message of inclusion on social media. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #WelcomingWeek2024 and tag @RRCPolytech in your posts! 

Let’s come together to celebrate what makes RRC Polytech, the Centre for Newcomer Integration, and Canada great: our commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and the shared goal of creating communities where everyone belongs. 

Manitoba Labour and Immigration is supporting a new project at RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) called “Communicative Competence Training for the Enhancement and Acceleration of Internationally Educated Health Professionals, Settlement and Integration and Retention of Healthcare Employees in Manitoba, ” funded by the Manitoba government.  

This project is designed to provide essential English language and communication training for internationally educated health professionals aiming to become licensed in Canada.
 
Thanks to this funding, CNI has expanded eligibility for occupation-specific language learning for health professionals to now include Temporary Residents, Refugee Claimants, and Canadian Citizens. 

This means we now accept applications from the following groups: 

• Permanent Residents  
• Temporary Residents with valid Work Permits or Study Permits 
• Refugee claimants 
• Canadian Citizens identifying as newcomers, including naturalized citizens, Canadian-born citizens raised outside Canada, and foreign-born children of a Canadian citizen 
• Spouses/Common-law partners and dependent children of the above 

Impact on Students and the Community 

The CNI English for Specific Purposes (ESP) health programs, courses, and workshops offer communicative competence training to internationally educated health professionals with a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 6 and above who are seeking licensure in Canada. 

This programming, which is fully online, leads to: 

1. Enhanced communication skills with patients: Students gain confidence gathering information during health history interviews, providing patient instructions, and supporting patients emotionally.
    
    
2. Improved interaction with colleagues: The program strengthens the ability to communicate updates and collaborate effectively with healthcare teams.
    
    
3. Mastery of clear, concise, and coherent communication: Emphasis on the three Cs of communication ensures that students convey information accurately and efficiently. 

For more information, visit the health programs page. 

Honouring Refugees on World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day, observed internationally on June 20, is a day designated by the United Nations to honour the strength and courage of refugees worldwide. This day shines a spotlight on refugees’ rights, needs, and dreams, helping to mobilize support and resources for their journey toward safety and inclusion. This year, the Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations (MANSO) and its partners will host a virtual event to mark this important occasion in Manitoba. Learn more about this event below.

Supporting Refugees at CNI

At RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI), we are committed to empowering refugees and newcomers to Canada through a range of comprehensive programs tailored to their unique needs. Our Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program provides free English language training to help refugees and other newcomers improve their communication skills for daily life, employment, and further education. This program offers flexible schedules and multiple locations, including online options, making it accessible to many.

Our Occupation-Specific Language Programs offer targeted training in fields such as healthcare, business, engineering, and IT for those aiming to enter specific job markets or advance in their careers. These programs enhance both language proficiency and familiarity with professional and cultural expectations in the Canadian workplace. Participants in these courses receive valuable insights and practical skills tailored to their professional goals.

In addition, our Work Experience Program (WEP) bridges the gap between classroom learning and practical job experience. Over a 15-week period, students develop their English skills and gain hands-on work experience through a three-week placement in various industries. This program not only builds confidence but also provides essential Canadian work experience and networking opportunities.

Join Us For an Impactful Event and Learn More

In celebration of World Refugee Day, we invite you to join the Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations (MANSO) and its partners for a virtual event on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. CDT. This event will focus on understanding and supporting refugee claimants, featuring discussions led by experts and firsthand accounts from those with lived refugee experiences.

We encourage everyone—whether you are a refugee, a supporter, or simply interested in learning more—to participate in this event. Your presence will help honour the journeys and contributions of refugees and promote a more inclusive and compassionate society.

How to Participate:

• Register to join the live-streamed event on June 20 at 10:00 a.m. CDT.
• Spread the word by sharing with your networks, friends, and family.

Together, let’s celebrate the resilience and strength of refugees and work towards a better future for all.

On May 21, RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) had the pleasure of inviting newcomers to the opening of the 2024 professional baseball season in Winnipeg at Blue Cross Park. The Winnipeg Goldeyes began a three-game series against the Chicago Dogs, and several RRC students, along with their families, were in attendance to enjoy this exciting event.

The Winnipeg Goldeyes Baseball Club Inc. generously provided 49 community zone tickets, allowing both regional and Winnipeg newcomer students to experience a live baseball game. The atmosphere was electric as fans cheered for their favourite teams, and the newcomers got a taste of a classic North American sport.

The students’ reactions highlighted the significance of this opportunity. Alina Semeriakova shared her gratitude by saying, “Thanks a lot for this great experience!”

Another student, Nataliia Pavlenko, expressed her excitement: “It was my first time seeing a baseball game. In my home country, baseball isn’t popular. It was so interesting for me, especially watching two American teams. I enjoyed the game and had a great time with my family here.”

Events like these are essential in helping newcomers integrate into Canadian culture and feel a sense of community. RRC Polytech – CNI is dedicated to providing such enriching experiences for their students, fostering both educational and cultural growth. We are thankful to the Winnipeg Goldeyes Baseball Club Inc. for their support and look forward to more events that bring joy and learning to our students.

Celebrate Diversity Month is observed in April every year to recognize, celebrate and honour the diversity of the world around us. At RRC Polytech, we recognize that diversity within our communities is one of our greatest strengths. We are committed to fostering working and learning environments that recognize and celebrate the diversity of our students and our staff. You can read more about resources and supports at RRC Polytech to foster diversity in this Blog Post.