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The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) is proud to announce TIES Founder’s Scholarship applications for 2024-2025 are now open. This scholarship honours the Society’s principal founder, Salim M. Sindhu, who immigrated to Canada in 1974 and experienced first-hand the hardships and lack of support services for newcomers.
In the SE quadrant of Calgary, where a large percentage of immigrants resided, a growing need for English language instruction and employment skills training was observed. Hence, alongside a group of like-minded community members who had a full understanding of newcomers’ needs, The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) was established in 1988 to fill in these gaps in services for newcomers.
Today, TIES is thriving; what was once a small group of volunteers has expanded significantly to accommodate the needs of the Calgary community via English language education, employment, and settlement programs. New programs are introduced every year, and over a thousand clients are served on a weekly basis.
In line with our vision, mission and values, TIES is sponsoring one (1) scholarship this year. The scholarship will financially support an applicant pursuing education or training in a field which will empower the applicant to support newcomers to Canada.
The scholarship is valued at $1000 dollars.
Oleksandra Khymych, a Ukrainian newcomer who arrived in Canada two years ago through CUAET, found support and empowerment through the Money Smart program. Initially seeking help with her tax filing, she actively engaged with the program throughout the year, participating in various workshops and information sessions.
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I arrived in Canada in January 2023, looking for a better future with my family. I was a teacher in Ethiopia, and I was looking forward to pursuing my passion in Canada.
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As a recent immigrant, one of the primary hurdles we encounter is securing employment in the Canadian job market. Despite possessing the necessary professional skills and experience in a specific field, breaking into the job market can be challenging without prior Canadian experience.
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I arrived in Canada from Pakistan in 2001 hoping for a better future. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I began volunteering with TIES in their English language classes and later completed my office administration certification through TIES.
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With the help of TIES, I was able to successfully transition from being a journalist in Afghanistan to a career in security in just four months. I worked diligently, absorbing all the information and practical skills provided during the training.
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In November 2023, my family and I turned to TIES for support with English courses for my wife. With Nabilla's guidance, I revamped my resume, practiced interview techniques, and learned job search strategies.
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Heba and her family fled the Syrian Civil War, immigrating to Turkey where she attended high school. In 2023, the family was granted residency in Canada. Recognizing the importance of language skills, she sought out the LINC program at the TIES Whitehorn.
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Farzana Ayubi, a former journalist and social activist from Afghanistan, arrived in Canada in 2023 with her young daughter. Without a job and her husband, Farzana often felt lonely. Eager to build a new life in Calgary, she enrolled in our LINC program, CLB 1/2 FT class, to improve her English.
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Nataliia arrived in Canada from Ukraine a year and a half ago, seeking refuge from war and leaving her family behind. Despite her limited English skills and the challenges of adapting to a new country and culture, she was determined to build a new life in Calgary. To improve her English, she accessed the LINC program provided by TIES.
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Josseline started in the LINC Literacy program in the summer of 2021. With her continued perseverance and relentless help from the LINC instructors, she advanced quickly. Now, she is working on her Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 2/3.
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Abdelrahman came to Canada with his wife and young daughter in October 2019. He immigrated from South Sudan, but before arriving in Canada, he had lived in Lebanon for about 6 years. Now a Permanent Resident of Canada, he has adapted well to life in Calgary.
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Last year, 2021, was one of the lowest times of my life, but through the EYE Program, I found hope and the drive to persevere and work hard again.
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I was particularly interested in learning computer and office skills because I wanted to change careers. That’s why when I saw the TIES ads on Facebook, I immediately enrolled in the class.
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Our scholarship application for 2024 is now open. Please click on the "Apply Here" link below to submit your application. The deadline is May 31, 2024 at 11:59 PM. If you have any questions, please contact the TIES Founder’s Scholarship selection committee at sophiasalamanca@immigrant-education.ca for more information.
Eric is studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Alberta for his Master of Science degree. His essay, "Overcoming Language Barriers: A Bridge to Success for Calgary's Newcomers," explores how languages barriers impact newcomers' daily lives, job prospects, and social connections. He proposes a multi-faceted approach including a mobile app, language exchange cafes, a buddy system for employment, and outdoor events.
From Rameen’s essay:
Hart’s Inverse Care Law presents a reality that is unfortunate for newcomers. How can they be expected to thrive in a new environment when they don’t feel content or lose motivation to engage in things like socialization and self-care? Mental healthcare would act as a metaphorical hand on the shoulder, comforting you with the idea that although you may be facing challenges; you have what it takes to meet them and thrive.
From Chika’s speech at TIES 34th AGM:
I do feel empowered, by this award. As a new immigrant, I have encountered my fair share of challenges and barriers to settlement and integration, which can be draining and de-motivating. Receiving this award makes me feel “seen” and “valued”. It boosts my confidence and encourages me to continue to work hard and pursue my dream of graduating as a social worker, so that I can help channel other immigrants like myself towards meaningful integration in Canada. Thank you for this platform which showcases the tenacity and resilience of immigrants and the potential of our unique contribution to the wider Canadian society.
Impact after receiving award: The TIES scholarship has been instrumental in my studies and overall life. I've been able to focus more on my studies with financial burdens being alleviated. As a result, I recently got into the Bachelor of Social Work program at the UofC. It has also inspired me to continue giving back to my community as I am still volunteering with many organizations serving immigrant populations.
Impact after receiving award: "University is all about discovery. Over the last year, under the gracious support of TIES, I’ve been able to understand my career and education goals in a more nuanced and comprehensive manner. This includes switching my degree platform from Business to Political Science & Canadian Studies to further understand and empower the stories of Canadians."
Get involved with TIES on our social media platforms.
TIES is located on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy comprising the Siksika, Piikani and Kanai First Nations, the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda including the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Wesley First Nations. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III.
