10 minute read
SETTLEMENT
For many parents, asking others for help can be uncomfortable, especially if they are recent immigrants without many friends or family nearby. Some are unwilling to admit that they need assistance from others, so they attempt to work it out by themselves. Others do not know how to ask for help or believe that others will not help them.
Some parents might even feel ashamed and guilty for asking for help; they do not want to owe or burden others. And there are others who fear that asking for help will be perceived as being inferior, weak and incompetent.
Plus, many believe that family matters should be kept private, so they keep family problems to themselves and struggle in isolation, hoping the challenges will magically disappear.
Importance of seeking support
While it is admirable to want to be self-suffi cient, there are PARENTING
A helping hand
Reaching out for support is important for immigrant parents in Canada, even if it’s a little daunting
times that we, as parents, need support and assistance, as we cannot do it all on our own. Trying to raise a family in isolation simply does not work and can have long-term detrimental consequences for you and your children.
Having the ability to ask for help can be benefi cial to your family and the community. If we helped each other out more, wouldn’t our world be a much better, friendlier place?
e reality is that our community is fi lled with caring and compassionate people who are willing to lend a helping hand when we most need it. And it’s just as important to graciously receive help when we need it.
Know that those who step up to help you will also benefi t, as helpers feel good when they are able to contribute to society. In turn, they may also then seek your help in the future. How to ask for help
So how do you ask for a little help? Start with a small and simple request, and eventually work up the courage to ask for any bigger favours. Perhaps you ask a parent in your community for advice or to babysit. Choose wisely by selecting people who are caring, helpful, trustworthy and non-judgmental.
Be proactive and take steps to seek help. Do not expect others to know what you need and do not wait for others to off er their assistance, as they cannot read your mind. Be direct, specifi c and clear, so that others know how to help you.
Everyone needs help from time to time, and asking and receiving help is a sign of strength, maturity and confi dence. Remember that it takes a village to raise a child, as the saying goes. So let’s work together and help each other whenever we can, for our children, families and society to reach maximum potential!
your help in the
Cheryl Song, an immigrant from Malaysia, has more than , an immigrant from Malaysia, has more than 10 years’ experience of working in childhood education 10 years’ experience of working in childhood education and family programs.
Bridge Delivery for International Medical Graduates
info@ccnm.edu www.ccnm.edu
Continuing your medical career in Canada
The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Educating naturopathic doctors for almost 40 years
ByJohnny Zang
The National Association of Humanity Science and Technology (NAHST) was originally founded by a group of individuals who are enthusiastic about preserving cultural heritage and participating in community services. Starting from early 2013, the group has been engaging in activities and social events aimed at the promotion, education and exhibiting multiple elements of Chinese cultural heritage. At its initial stage, the association was named as National Heritage Hall and involved in community events as a cultural and recreational group. Later, in November 2013, the association was formally registered as a non-profi t organization.
Involving community multiculturalism
“In merely one year after its foundation,” says Thomas Y. Lin, president, “the NAHST has organized a number of large-scale cultural activities including classic poetry recitation events, Chinese traditional music concerts and Chinese arts shows with funds collected from its own members. Also, the association has sponsored and participated in various recreational activities facilitated by local seniors groups as well as other cultural organizations. Another important portion of the association’s efforts were made to promote cultural exchanges with mainstream society and many minorities’ cultural groups.”
According to Lin, the NAHST’s increasingly active involvement community multiculturalism has attracted many more devoting members, most of whom are established elites in their own professional areas. These members have brought in invaluable assets to enrich the organization’s capacity. As a result, the association has quickly expanded its areas of services to encompass not only culture and religion, but also arts, sciences, technologies, education and health. Numerous regular seminars, forums and conferences were organized in these areas, all facilitated by professionals on voluntary basis. Furthermore, this has propelled the association to sponsor and organize a number of exchange programs between Canada and East Asian countries.
In particular, focusing on traditional Chinese musical instruments, the NAHST has organized quite a number of musical performances that have been well received by the diverse communities in the GTA. “The beauty of ancient Chinese classical music,” says Lin, “is a beauty that exists in its elegance and structure of literature. They will allow us to refl ect on the past in the light of the present, to raise our consciousness and pass on the essence of classical music, and to fully appreciate the treasures of human culture with universal values.”
Such cultural activities have gained tremendous support from diverse communities. During the past two years, the NAHST has worked collaboratively with other community organizations on a number of community initiatives and festivals. Also, the NAHST has participated in quite a few government funding programs initiated by its community partners including the non-profi t Phoenix Academy of the Arts. Besides, the NAHST was invited to do workshops and/or performances at local public schools and share the cultural heritage with elementary and high school students. They got enormous positive feedback.
Sub-sections to better serve
Recognizing the needs imposed by such fast development and growth, the association decided to change its registered name from National Heritage Hall into National Association of Humanity Science and Technology (NAHST). Currently, the NAHST has the following subsections: 1. National Heritage TV 2. Culture Inheritance (Journal Publication) 3. National Education Society 4. International Standard Society 5. National Heritage Hall Centre
The National Heritage Hall Centre is the service facility for its members in the GTA, but more affi liating centres will be opened in the future to serve local members.
Now, the NAHST is working effectively as a bridge to connect immigrants and English- speaking Canadians and mainstream society so as to enhance Canadian society culturally and economically. Meantime, the NAHST has been fostering initiatives and ideas that promote opportunities for youths, adult and older generations to network, connect and be part of the social fabric of their communities.
For 2016-2017, the NAHST has plans to organize a series of events that will bring hundreds and even thousands of people and especially Torontonians together to have fun and to get to know each other. It will also encourage volunteers to share their own knowledge and skills, to socialize, to work with new people and make new friends.
above omas Y. Lin, NAHST president(second from right), with artists at a recent community event.
It’s a new year, which means the perfect opportunity to set some goals. It’s a Canadian tradition to start off each year with New Year’s resolutions, be they personal or professional. Unfortunately, our busy, daily lives often push these goals to the backburner before we achieve them. Canadian Immigrant off ers up six simple ways to help turn your goals into reality in 2016.
1Look to the past and present before you plan for the future
You probably already know what you would like for yourself for the year ahead in general terms and why — more success, new job, more joy, better health, improved relationships, new home ... right?
But before you make any specifi c goals for the year ahead, take stock for a moment. Look at where you’ve been and where you are now in relation to what you want out of life. en consider what might be stopping you from achieving those things. Do you procrastinate? Do you self-sabotage? Are you too busy attending to others’ needs? Or do you simply not know how to proceed? List all the challenges that you have to overcome.
Now focus on the positive; look at the ways you have already been helping yourself. What successful strategies can you continue or emphasize? What are your personal strengths and traits that will help you move forward?
2Decide on your overall goals
So what specifi cally do you want to achieve in 2016? Do you want to fi nd a better job? Improve your English? Find friendship? Lose weight? ese are all admirable goals, but it’s important to be specifi c. For example, instead of saying “I want to lose weight,” ask yourself what you really want. If you want to lose 10 pounds, make that your resolution: “I want to lose 10 pounds.” If you want to fi nd a better job, be specifi c about the type of position you want, in what industry and even for which organizations you’d like to work with.
Sometimes, your goals might be quite far-reaching and are actually comprised of several subgoals; breaking them down into these smaller, more manageable resolutions helps. For example, improving your English could be broken down into several sub-goals, such as improving your written language, improving verbal communication and learning occupational-specifi c language. e clearer you are, the easier it will be for the next steps.
3Make a specifi c plan of action
You know the “what” and the “why,” and now you have to decide on the “how.”
Write your resolutions down, along with a detailed plan of the steps you will take to reach them. is process may take a little time, eff ort and creativity. Seek the advice of people you admire and respect for help, fi nd a mentor to off er guidance and do plenty of research to fi nd the best strategies to achieve your goals.
For example, to improve your English, you will have to do a number of things, from attending classes to practising daily. 4 Set your plan into motion
Now add a timeline to your plans to keep yourself on track. And don’t forget to document your progress! Seeing your achievements on paper will hopefully bring you confi dence and keep you inspired.
6 steps to your goal
e New Year is the time to create some resolutions and a plan to achieve them
By Margaret Jetelina
5Factor in accountability measures
One of the biggest reasons for failing to meet your goals is a lack of accountability. In addition to your detailed plan and timeline, it’s helpful to get support from friends and family who will help keep you accountable.
You could even form your own accountability group with a group of like-minded individuals who have their own goals. Meet regularly to update each other on your progress. If others are willing to support you or change along with you, this will give you added strength and motivation.
6Celebrate and stay inspired
Celebrate your progress as you move forward toward achieving your resolutions. Recognizing your successes, no matter how small, will defi nitely keep you inspired to keep going; maybe even set additional goals!
NHH CENTRE
www.hereditas.ca
TEL: 416-900-6886 Email: info@hereditas.ca 28 Crown Steel Dr, Unit 15, Markham, L3R 9Y1
4675 Steeles Ave. E Unit 2D22 Toronto On M1V 4S5 www.nahst.org
