For the last few months the Delta Welcoming Communities team has talked to newcomers from all walks of life.
Interviews were also conducted with community leaders, service providers and business owners in Delta.
The emerging picture of Delta is that of a caring and friendly community, but also a place where many feel socially isolated. Language and other barriers still make it difficult for many to fully participate in the social life of the community.
The Welcoming Communities Program, with federal and provincial funding, is offered in several municipalities in B.C. In Delta, the program is led by the Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) in partnership with other Delta-based agencies.
The program started by asking newcomers to talk about their experiences of moving to Canada.
Newcomers have described struggles to see their professional experiences and qualifications recognized.
One newcomer was close to tears when saying: "I came to Delta with the dream that I could establish myself professionally and economically. Instead the first years were very hard. It was very difficult to find work in my field. It felt as if all the doors were closed to me. I was very worried about not being able to support my family economically."
Recent immigrants also talked about how safe Delta is, the green spaces and clean environment, the strong democratic processes and the social safety net.
The goal for the Welcoming Communities Program is to help newcomers in Delta get to know their new home and feel empowered to contribute to its social fabric.
Its next event, on Saturday, June 8, is a free guided walk through Burns Bog. Walks are free and open to all recent immigrants as well as long-term residents. They provide opportunities to network and socialize while exploring s parts of Delta.
To participate, call 604594-3455 ext. 128, email gurpreet.kaur@pics.bc.ca or come to the parking lot of Planet Ice, 10388 Nordel Court, at 10: 30 a.m. on June 8.
