My name is Karma and have been in Canada for a year and six months. When I first came to Canada, I was shy to talk to other people and didn’t have confidence in myself. After a few days, I joined Parkdale Collegiate Institute where a lot of Tibetan students studied. I made some friends which boosted my confidence but it wasn’t helping me improve my English because we spoke the same language.
After a year, my friend took me to the library and I met the youth worker, Kalsang who told me to join the weekly program. I took this opportunity so I could improve my communication skills. During the program, I learned about a variety of topic such as health, music etc. I made some new friends and after a few sessions, everyone got along so well it almost seemed like we were a family. We laughed together. We learned together.
I also participated in a various program like the skit on, “TOBACCO FREE SPORTS AND RECREATION”. I also danced in the program tournament which entertained everyone.
After a month, I realized that my confidence level was high and also that I improved on my communication skills.
We also had an outdoor trip to High Park, Lakeshore and Centre Island. Food, snacks, bus tickets .etc were all provided by the program. I also contributed in making the program policy.
I gained so many useful experiences through the program, boosted my confidence and also improved my English. There is a newsletter where all news in the neighborhood gets posted and we can check it anytime; some people even got jobs through the newsletter.
My advice to other newcomer youths is to go library to community centers where lots of information is provided. Don’t be shy, be confident about yourself. I am so excited because I am going to be Parkdale Newcomer Youth Committee (PNYC) member.
Karma Gyatso
15 yrs,
Grade 11 (PCI)
After a year, my friend took me to the library and I met the youth worker, Kalsang who told me to join the weekly program. I took this opportunity so I could improve my communication skills. During the program, I learned about a variety of topic such as health, music etc. I made some new friends and after a few sessions, everyone got along so well it almost seemed like we were a family. We laughed together. We learned together.
I also participated in a various program like the skit on, “TOBACCO FREE SPORTS AND RECREATION”. I also danced in the program tournament which entertained everyone.
After a month, I realized that my confidence level was high and also that I improved on my communication skills.
We also had an outdoor trip to High Park, Lakeshore and Centre Island. Food, snacks, bus tickets .etc were all provided by the program. I also contributed in making the program policy.
I gained so many useful experiences through the program, boosted my confidence and also improved my English. There is a newsletter where all news in the neighborhood gets posted and we can check it anytime; some people even got jobs through the newsletter.
My advice to other newcomer youths is to go library to community centers where lots of information is provided. Don’t be shy, be confident about yourself. I am so excited because I am going to be Parkdale Newcomer Youth Committee (PNYC) member.
Karma Gyatso
15 yrs,
Grade 11 (PCI)