May in Review by Kalsang
Some highlights of the month were Jane’s Walk on May 7th and Youth Health Advocacy campaign around Smoke-Free Movies for youth held for 3 days from May 25 to 27.
Wednesday Weekly ESL – Language Skills Development Program /workshops
There were four language sessions held during the month. The first session (May 4th) was spent on doing rehearsal walk for the Jane’s Walk PCIC has organized for Saturday May 7th. The youth participants learnt briefly on the history and purpose of Jane’s Walk and went over our “Parkdale Community Walk” structure and maps. The rehearsal trained them in learning the whereabouts and general information about 21 neighbouring community organizations. The tour rehearsal also Click here to read the full review
Wednesday Weekly ESL – Language Skills Development Program /workshops
There were four language sessions held during the month. The first session (May 4th) was spent on doing rehearsal walk for the Jane’s Walk PCIC has organized for Saturday May 7th. The youth participants learnt briefly on the history and purpose of Jane’s Walk and went over our “Parkdale Community Walk” structure and maps. The rehearsal trained them in learning the whereabouts and general information about 21 neighbouring community organizations. The tour rehearsal also Click here to read the full review
Success story of the month
Interview with Karma Gyatso
by Tsewang Dhargyal
Karma Gyatso is a youth member of “Parkdale Newcomer Youth Committee” who has been an active participant and volunteer of newcomer youth program since 2009 In this interview, he shares his story to be heard by all the newcomer youths just like him. Karma frankly talks about how he started out as a newcomer youth and how he obtained a summer job at Parts and Labour Restaurant in Parkdale this summer.
On Thursday June 23rd, Tsewang, our contributing editorial board member had a chance to interview Karma via Facebook.
Interview by: Tsewang Dhargyal, youth contributing editorial board member of YOUTH S.P.A.R.K
Tsewang- Tell me about yourself or introduce yourself.
Karma- My name is Karma Gyatso and I am a new citizen who have lived in Canada for just over 3 years now. I am currently studying in grade 11 and besides that I have been involved in the language and peer-tutoring club under the newcomer youth program run by Parkdale Community Information Centre/Parkdale Intercultural Association where I have developed myself in different skills.
Tsewang- What kind of activities have you been involved in the "Parkdale Newcomer Youth Committee"?
Karma- As a newcomer youth in 2009, I started as a volunteer and participant of their weekly programs where I was very active and gradually stepped into becoming mentors to other newcomer youths. Recently, I have co-lead a project of Parkdale Newcomer Youth Committee called “Shake Tobacco Off Movies (STOM)” from Jan to June 2011 and gained a lot of experiences through this opportunity.
Tsewang- How do you think it helped you in your own personal developments? (What skills did u gain?)
Karma- When I first came here in Canada, I wasn’t the person I am right now in case of communication, confidence and involvement in the community. I have grown as a participant/volunteer for the programs to member and a leader. I have certainly improved my leadership, communication, and teamwork and language skills and, carrying those skills I could be more confident in all the other areas of studies. This led me at my co-op placement at the “Parts and Labor”, to become very co-operative and frank with my staffs and supervisors and be able to communicate well with them at the same time.
Tsewang- What are your hobbies other than volunteering?
Karma- I love playing Soccer and enjoy cooking as I have planned on taking it as a career and that made me to take the placement at a restaurant like “Parts and Labor” right here in Parkdale.
Tsewang- Tell me about your co-op placement and how you were offered the Summer Job?
Karma-At my co-op placement, I was the assistant cook where I helped the cook in almost all the basic works like preparing meals as in cutting them and getting them ready to be cooked. I really enjoyed doing that and showed my interest and put in my full effort in it. Also, with the friendly nature and confidence that I showed, my supervisor offered me the summer position and I was very happy knowing that I would be doing something I enjoy for this summer and also getting paid at the same time.
Tsewang-What messages would you like to give to all the youths out there?
Karma- First of all, I would really like to thank Newcomer Youth Program for providing me with the opportunity to participate in their awesome weekly programs, which were like the “BASE” for me in developing my language and communication skills as well. If I were not a volunteer in this program and wasn’t a participant at all, I wouldn’t have been frank enough to be co-operative with my supervisor. I would also like to thank Kalsang Dolma deeply for all the help and support she has been provided not only to me but to all the other newcomer youths as well. “Thukje Che!”
On Thursday June 23rd, Tsewang, our contributing editorial board member had a chance to interview Karma via Facebook.
Interview by: Tsewang Dhargyal, youth contributing editorial board member of YOUTH S.P.A.R.K
Tsewang- Tell me about yourself or introduce yourself.
Karma- My name is Karma Gyatso and I am a new citizen who have lived in Canada for just over 3 years now. I am currently studying in grade 11 and besides that I have been involved in the language and peer-tutoring club under the newcomer youth program run by Parkdale Community Information Centre/Parkdale Intercultural Association where I have developed myself in different skills.
Tsewang- What kind of activities have you been involved in the "Parkdale Newcomer Youth Committee"?
Karma- As a newcomer youth in 2009, I started as a volunteer and participant of their weekly programs where I was very active and gradually stepped into becoming mentors to other newcomer youths. Recently, I have co-lead a project of Parkdale Newcomer Youth Committee called “Shake Tobacco Off Movies (STOM)” from Jan to June 2011 and gained a lot of experiences through this opportunity.
Tsewang- How do you think it helped you in your own personal developments? (What skills did u gain?)
Karma- When I first came here in Canada, I wasn’t the person I am right now in case of communication, confidence and involvement in the community. I have grown as a participant/volunteer for the programs to member and a leader. I have certainly improved my leadership, communication, and teamwork and language skills and, carrying those skills I could be more confident in all the other areas of studies. This led me at my co-op placement at the “Parts and Labor”, to become very co-operative and frank with my staffs and supervisors and be able to communicate well with them at the same time.
Tsewang- What are your hobbies other than volunteering?
Karma- I love playing Soccer and enjoy cooking as I have planned on taking it as a career and that made me to take the placement at a restaurant like “Parts and Labor” right here in Parkdale.
Tsewang- Tell me about your co-op placement and how you were offered the Summer Job?
Karma-At my co-op placement, I was the assistant cook where I helped the cook in almost all the basic works like preparing meals as in cutting them and getting them ready to be cooked. I really enjoyed doing that and showed my interest and put in my full effort in it. Also, with the friendly nature and confidence that I showed, my supervisor offered me the summer position and I was very happy knowing that I would be doing something I enjoy for this summer and also getting paid at the same time.
Tsewang-What messages would you like to give to all the youths out there?
Karma- First of all, I would really like to thank Newcomer Youth Program for providing me with the opportunity to participate in their awesome weekly programs, which were like the “BASE” for me in developing my language and communication skills as well. If I were not a volunteer in this program and wasn’t a participant at all, I wouldn’t have been frank enough to be co-operative with my supervisor. I would also like to thank Kalsang Dolma deeply for all the help and support she has been provided not only to me but to all the other newcomer youths as well. “Thukje Che!”
Opportunity
Are you the next Newcomer Idol 2011? - Apply by June 30th
Cash Register Training - Free! July 6th, 2 to 4 pm
The training will
take place on Wednesday, July 6th from 2 to 4 pm at Richview library (1806 Islington Ave. one block north of Eglinton).
for registration and more information feel free to contact me at: 416-268-398 or by Email: [email protected]. Want to Apply to a Post-Secondary School without a Loan from OSAP?
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Check OutSummer Program for Newcomer Youth in Parkdale - Communication and Recreation
Communication and Recreation = CaR
Summer Program for Newcomer Youth is here! The theme this year is Communication with Recreation. Youth will learn communication skills focusing on essay writing and presentation by engaging in various recreational activities. Will meet Tuesdays and Thursday afternoons with one Friday afternoon. Two visits to shows at Fringe Theatre Festival, other activities include, dance, defensive Martial Art Basics (by a Karate Black Belt Master!), barbeque and more... Details are on registration form. For Youth 13 - 24 Must Register. FREE Download form here in pdf Download form in word doc Please pick up your registration form from PCIC Office in Parkdale Library - ASK for Newcomer Youth Program Registration at the PCIC front desk. Drop off the completed/signed forms latest by Thursday 5 pm. For Full Summer Program Schedule, please look at our Calendar below for July and August. Ontario Introduces New Photo ID Card!
Ontario is creating a new government-issued identification card. If you are 16 and over and do not drive you will be able to use this card for travel, open a bank account, and any other activities that require official ID. http://www.settlement.org/sys/link_redirect.asp?anno_id=2010233 Summer Youth Ensemble at Factory Theatre!
Factory Theatre would love to have some of the youth in the community to get involved with this program, which will allow members of the ensemble to learn and develop a range of theatrical skills including technical theatre and production, a chance to work with professional artists as they build team skills, develop leadership and work collaboratively towards the creation of an original ensemble piece.
No experience is necessary, and a background in theatre is not required. Factory Theatre provides lunch and snacks to all participants and grant-subsidized payment is also an option, with fee subsidies of up to 100% available for young people in need. You or any interested young people can contact Franny McCabe-Bennett ([email protected]) or Bronwyn Davies-Glover, the Community Activation Coordinator ([email protected], 416.504.4473 ext 229)Factory Theatre125 Bathurst Street www.factorytheatre.ca Note: Please mention that you received information about the program through Parkdale Newcomer Youth newsletter, YOUTH S.P.A.R.K. Download Registration Form & Flyer. |
Literature
My Face by Dudoul
I was stricken by a question that has never
been asked before……. about my face! I woke up early the next morning and spent
hours gazing at myself in front of the mirror. But to my amazement, I saw a
stranger’s face looking back at me. I raise my hand, he raised his too. I wore
a fake smile. He superbly imitates it with a professional hand. I touched the
mirror- the cold barrier between us. I can feel the cold lifeless glass onto my
finger tips. And then I came to know that the face in the mirror belongs to me.
If it wasn’t for that same small eyed face, we would have been a different
soul. Two totally different people busy in their own day to day activities. I
was to believe the face in the mirror was me, but my little heart showed deaf
ears to my misery.
The very next day I went through my files. I searched every drawer, all in vain. A proof for innocence was well hidden by the devil who does not want the true identity of himself to be discovered by me. I was feeling helpless, cornered in a very dark room without a single ray of hope. Though I lost my hope, my patience was not yet exhausted. I kept knocking on the heaven’s door and anticipated for the best. And there lying abandoned, I saw my photo.
A portion of it colored with Maggie noodles. I lightly placed it on my palm unaware of my true identity. Astoundingly, it just looks like me in the mirror, just a little younger. He’s got a cute smile (showing every 32 teeth of his), all eye brows raised with small red lips. His eyes were small, below the sockets the eye ball moved everywhere with curiosity. He was expressing something, he was saying, nothing will be lost, if you open up your lips and smile a bit.
The past was sprouting up in me, the cobwebs have settled around me. Only then I knew that I had changed a lot. My face has withered from not smiling for ages. Everyday I wore this glum expression. Everyday from dawn to dusk! I have changed a lot…. “You are never fully dressed without a smile”. I could hear thousand of voices inside me. I started regretting what a beast I have become. All these years, I have been selfish and now I am paying the huge price. All my friends were avoiding me, left alone after the class, no one to talk to, and no one to share secrets. I stopped crying over the spilled milk and started a new tomorrow. Past is past, now I seek for better future, I told myself.
Now, I started waking up each morning with a smile on my face till I went to sleep. Soon, I won the hearts of my friends back and got known for my coolness even when I was facing the greatest hardships. This was the greatest lesson of my life and surely will it remain till my dying days.
The very next day I went through my files. I searched every drawer, all in vain. A proof for innocence was well hidden by the devil who does not want the true identity of himself to be discovered by me. I was feeling helpless, cornered in a very dark room without a single ray of hope. Though I lost my hope, my patience was not yet exhausted. I kept knocking on the heaven’s door and anticipated for the best. And there lying abandoned, I saw my photo.
A portion of it colored with Maggie noodles. I lightly placed it on my palm unaware of my true identity. Astoundingly, it just looks like me in the mirror, just a little younger. He’s got a cute smile (showing every 32 teeth of his), all eye brows raised with small red lips. His eyes were small, below the sockets the eye ball moved everywhere with curiosity. He was expressing something, he was saying, nothing will be lost, if you open up your lips and smile a bit.
The past was sprouting up in me, the cobwebs have settled around me. Only then I knew that I had changed a lot. My face has withered from not smiling for ages. Everyday I wore this glum expression. Everyday from dawn to dusk! I have changed a lot…. “You are never fully dressed without a smile”. I could hear thousand of voices inside me. I started regretting what a beast I have become. All these years, I have been selfish and now I am paying the huge price. All my friends were avoiding me, left alone after the class, no one to talk to, and no one to share secrets. I stopped crying over the spilled milk and started a new tomorrow. Past is past, now I seek for better future, I told myself.
Now, I started waking up each morning with a smile on my face till I went to sleep. Soon, I won the hearts of my friends back and got known for my coolness even when I was facing the greatest hardships. This was the greatest lesson of my life and surely will it remain till my dying days.
CALENDAR: Weekly Programs & Workshops
Click on July/August for summer Program Schedules
© Copyright 2010 - 2011: Newcomer Youth Program of PIA/PCIC partnership. All rights reserved.
Managing Editor: Kalsang Dolma (Youth Settlement Worker, ISAP)
Editorial Board: Communications Department of PNYC (April 2011 to March 2012)
Editorial Board: Communications Department of PNYC (April 2011 to March 2012)
- Karma Gyatso
- Tsewang Dhargyal
- Tenzin Thabkhae
- Tenzin Choewang
- Dudoul Tenzin
- Rigden Lhawang
- Vinothan Sarvananthan
- Abisarikka Pillaiyinar
- Anastasia Mangar