Community News from the RRLIP Project | |
Hello Regina Community Members!
The Regina Region Local Immigration Partnership (RRLIP Project) strengthens and supports the community’s efforts to welcome, settle and integrate newcomers. In the last Newcomer Survey, we learned that many people do not know about programs in the community and/or how to access them.
The goal of these regular emails is to increase awareness of and access to relevant programs, services and events that enhance and support newcomer settlement in Regina.
Please share this information widely. Thank you so much!
For past Community News issues, click here
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2023 RRLIP SURVEY!
Who can do this survey?
- Anyone 15 and older
- Born outside of Canada
- Now living in Regina
It doesn't matter if you just arrived, or if you have lived here for 40 years! We need your input! We want to hear from you!
In the 2022 RRLIP Newcomer survey we heard about some of the challenges people are facing. We hope to gather more information, about Mental and Emotional Wellness challenges, to assist us in understanding how to respond.
Covid affected all of us, and there are still ongoing issues from it, as well as many other changes in life situations.
We will be sharing the survey findings with the broader community, hoping it will impact their efforts to settle and integrate newcomers. Your feedback matters to us!
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We are happy to come to your class, cultural or faith group to assist! Or we can meet with you by Zoom, if that is more convenient.
For any questions, or more information, please contact Deborah.
Email deborahs@rrlip.ca or call 306-591-7846.
Thank you in advance for your contribution.
Please share this with as many people as possible who are eligible to participate!
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RRLIP Resources:
UPDATED - RIDING REGINA TRANSIT
Riding Regina Transit resource here.
Educational Purposes - this resource can be electronically shared and/or printed for use with newcomers - clients, children, friends, and neighbours.
Topics include:
- Paying to Ride the Bus,
- Getting on the Bus,
- Getting off the Bus,
- Accessibility and Seating, etc.
Find more program and service information for newcomers and those who support them. RRLIP Project Resource Page
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - REGINA FOLK FESTIVAL
The 52nd Regina Folk Festival will be in Victoria Park August 11-13.
This festival is a much anticipated, immense celebration of music and community - and many volunteers are needed to make it a success!
RFF Website: https://reginafolkfestival.com/volunteer
Volunteers:
- Receive a festival wristband that gives you access to all 3 headliner shows when you aren't volunteering.
- Spend the weekend surrounded by music.
- Receive a volunteer t-shirt and have access to a well stocked volunteer lounge with many snacks and drinks!
- Have the opportunity to meet new people and give back to the community.
Volunteers are needed in MANY areas - NEW, FREE, ONLINE Volunteer Training is now available. Completing this training is REQUIRED for volunteers.
Volunteer opportunities include:
Event Patrol (Security type tasks)
- The most need is with Event Patrol-Mobile. This team works in teams of two with radio contact with security and first aid keeping the peace, monitor parking and fielding questions patrons may have. These volunteers focus on keeping sidewalks clear, answering patron questions, parking assistance, etc.
- Opportunity to build or practice second language skills and/or security skills.
Beer Gardens
- This team is responsible for running festival beer gardens. Volunteers serve alcohol, stock supplies, and enforce SLGA policies and protocols related to alcohol. Volunteers will receive SLGA training from their Team Leader, who will have taken a Serve It Right course prior to the festival. Must be 19 or older.
- Opportunity to build or practice second language skills, serving/bar skills, customer service skills.
Merchandise
- This team is responsible for selling all RFF merchandise and artist merchandise in our Festival Record Store. Volunteers ideally have cash handling experience. Volunteers must submit a criminal record check prior to the festival.
- Opportunity to build or practice second language skills, cash handling skills, retails service skills.
Site
- This team is responsible for proper set-up, maintenance, and tear-down of the Festival site in Victoria Park. Volunteers must be able to participate in a range of physical tasks (installing fencing, stage pieces, etc.). Most shifts are finished prior to, or immediately following, the Festival. Steel toed boots are recommended but not required.
- Not a public facing team, so there are few interactions if people are worried about speaking in English or giving information in English.
- Opportunity to build or practice trade/labour skills, team work skills, infrastructure management skills.
Vendor Town
- This team is responsible for ensuring the needs of vendors are met. Volunteers assist with the load in/out of the festival site, and aid with site-specific logistics. They are an information booth for vendors and patrons.
- Opportunity to build or practice second language skills, customer service skills, organizational skills.
Environment
- This team is responsible for emptying the waste stations and sorting bins. They also help clean up the main stage area in the morning or after the festival. Some people find this team a nice balance of being in the action, but not having to answer any questions.
- Opportunity to build or practice ground/park maintenance skills, sustainability passions, learn about waste management.
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2023 SUMMER PROGRAMS and ACTIVITIES for KIDS
Each year the SWISS (Settlement Support Workers In Schools) team at the Regina Open Door Society produces a booklet which gives information about summer programs in Regina for kids.
Most of the activities are free or low-cost, and are for a wide variety of ages.
Check out the Summer Program Guide here
Did you know... most schools in Regina have a SSWIS staff who can assist parents and children who are newcomers?
SSWIS staff can help with translation, making contacts, understanding the system, answering questions, connecting to teachers, enrolling children in activities and many other ways.
This service is FREE - and is available for both elementary and high school students, in Public, Catholic or Francophone schools.
To contact the SWISS staff for your child's school, call RODS (Regina Open Door Society).
Call (306) 352-5775. Ask for the Settlement Support Workers in Schools.
Call (306) 352-3500. Ask for the Settlement and Family Services Unit Manager.
Email sswis@rods.sk.ca
https://rods.sk.ca/services/settlement-support-workers-in-schools-sswis-program/
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CARIB FEST '23
A Caribbean Experience
in Victoria Park
Caribbean food, music, and parade with live performances throughout the celebration.
Friday July 28 - 6 pm - 11 pm Reggae In the Park - FREE
Sat July 29 - 11 am - 11 pm
$5/person; kids under 10 FREE
- Parade at 12 pm; starts at 13th and Cameron Street to Victoria Park.
- Family-friendly activities and entertainment.
For more information:
call or text: 306-533-4980
email: caribfestsk@gmail.com
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SUMMER BASH FREE EVENTS
Summer Bash YQR is a non-profit community event series that brings cultural events, summer markets, and movie nights in the park to the people of Regina, Saskatchewan.
Since 2017, Summer Bash has been providing high-quality community events that are inclusive, engaging, and accessible to all. While they started as a festival, they realized that their true passion was in creating unique community experiences that bring people together.
As a result, they will no longer be hosting festivals and instead focus on what they are good at - creating memorable events that celebrate the diversity of the community.
Summer Bash YQR relies on the support of local businesses and organizations to bring these events to the community, and they are grateful for the ongoing support they have received.
Join us this summer for an unforgettable experience and a chance to connect with your community!
Stay tuned on the website and social media (@SummerBashYQR)
Movie Night
Sonic 2
Friday July 21
Realtor's Park (170 Sunset Drive)
8:45 pm - 11 pm
More Information here
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LOW-COST PROGRAM for NEW CANADIANS - LEARN TO CANOE
The Regina Marathon Canoe Club runs the “New Canadians Canoe Program” for individuals who have lived in Canada for less than 5 years and are interested in learning to paddle Canadian and recreational style canoes. The program begins at the end of July and will include 4 instructional sessions.
- Paddlers will be exposed to fundamental paddling skills while being safe, having fun, and building water sense.
- All equipment will be included (canoes, paddles, lifejackets).
The sessions will take place at Wascana Lake, Regina, Sk.
Individuals meet at the boathouse (located under the Willow restaurant).
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Total cost for the 4 sessions is $20.
Session Dates:
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Monday, July 24 - 11am -12pm
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Wednesday, July 26 - 11am -12pm
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Monday, July 31 - 11 am -12pm
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Wednesday, August 2 - 11am -12pm
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CITIZENSHIP 101 - FREE CLASS
SUMMER 2023
Are you ready to apply for your Canadian citizenship?
10 Sessions - every Saturday
Starting July 8 at 11:00am
Online via Zoom
This course will help you to prepare for the citizenship test and to learn about the Discover Canada book.
In this class you will:
- Learn about how to become a Canadian Citizen
- Learn about Canada's government, culture, and history from special guest speakers.
- Participate in a mock citizenship exam.
- Get a certificate upon successful completion of program.
- Attend online interactive sessions.
Topics include:
- Canadian Regions
- Applying for citizenship
- Canadian History
- Modern Canada and Canadian symbols
- Canadian justice system
- Canadian Economy
And others
This class is open to:
- Permanent residents
- 18 years of age
- CLB level 4 or above
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/R8id1bu5EF
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CANADIAN CENTRE
for
CYBER SECURITY
The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (the Cyber Centre) is part of the Government of Canada Communications Security Establishment. It is the single unified source of expert advice, guidance, services and support on cyber security for Canadians.
Get Cyber Safe - Homepage
Get Cyber Safe is a national public awareness campaign created to inform Canadians about cyber security and the simple steps they can take to protect themselves online.
Get Cyber Safe
The website has numerous guides for individuals, businesses, organizations, government and academia.
The following guides are for individuals:
An Introduction to the Cyber Threat Environment - about the cyber threat environment, including cyber threat actors and their motivations, sophistication, techniques, tools, and the cyber threat surface.
Get Cyber Safe - Get tips to help you protect the devices you use every day.
Phishing: Don't Get Reeled In - Phishing is a common tactic that cyber criminals use to steal personal and financial information from you. Phishing messages usually take the form of an email or phone call from a cyber criminal who is pretending to be someone they are not, such as your bank.
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EARLY YEARS LEARNING CENTRES
FREE Drop-In Play for Summer - 2 locations
Families Welcome
The Regina Early Learning Centre supports the healthy development of young children by providing a range of education and support services for young children and their families. These programs help create brighter futures for children, families and our community as a whole.
The outdoor space at 2115 Athol Street will be open beginning July 3rd, for drop in play from 9 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday. There will be some open ended programing offered at this site as well.
The other location is 3079 5th Ave.
Drop-in Play: Mondays & Wednesdays (9:00 am – 4:00 pm)
- A reminder that the EYFRC (Early Years Family Resource Centre) has moved towards other ways of offering play and developmental opportunities to meet the diverse needs of our community. We hope this provides more opportunities for access for everyone.
- All programing is now offered as open-ended opportunities. As always, facilitators are on the floor to support families within the space, so families can support their children’s learning.
See the monthly Calendar of Activities
The Early Learning Centre also delivers these programs to families:
If you have any questions or need help registering for a program,
call the EYFRC at 306-520-7979.
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UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS and DATING VIOLENCE
Training Workshop by the RCMP
Sponsored by SAISIA - Settlement Workers in Schools
Available to Settlement Agencies, Youth Organizations, Counsellors, Parents, Community Leaders, Faith Leaders, etc.
July 20
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device.
Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 269 569 282 875
Passcode: 9qCrka
Download Teams | Join on the web
If you have questions or want more information, contact:
Maryam Karimi
Email: maryam.karimi@saisia.ca
(306) 651-4389
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FREE HAIRCUTS!
Available to everyone!
Fridays
12 pm - 5 pm
Provided by two volunteer hairdressers.
Appointments necessary.
Call 306-352-3929 to book your appointment!
Location: 2250 Lindsay St.
Sponsored by the Al Ritchie Community Association
Everyone welcome!
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FREE! REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Training Sessions for PRIVATE SPONSORS
Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), RSTP (Refugee Sponsorship Training Program) provides information, tools and resources for private sponsors to assist refugees arriving in Canada - from the first step of thinking about sponsoring - to the last, when the sponsorship period is completed.
Sessions are online
July 25 from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Month 13 - Transition from Privately Sponsored Refugee to Independent
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RSTP has many recorded training sessions on their website: https://www.rstp.ca/en/
Find copies of the regular RSTP newsletter
RRLIP also convenes a Regina Support Group for Private Sponsors and Settlement Agreement Holders.
If you are interested in joining the group, please contact: carolb@rrlip.ca
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LET'S TALK SCIENCE
Free Online Learning
Let's Talk Science (French: Parlons sciences) is a registered Canadian charitable organization focused on education and skills development for children and youth in Canada through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) based programs.
Canadian bilingual ready-to-use programming for K-12 , with lots of ideas for the summer.
Geared for home, group or classroom.
Projects, books, contests, etc.
https://letstalkscience.ca/all-programming-info
https://letstalkscience.ca/educational-resources/stem-home
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NEWCOMER STUDENTS
ARE YOU STARTING HIGHSCHOOL IN CANADA?
You are invited to attend the
FREE Orientation Workshops for Newcomers!
Sessions will be held in person at different schools:
August 18-31, 2023
10:00pm- 12:00am
- Campbell: Aug 18
- LeBoldus: Aug 21
- Sheldon: Aug 22
- Miller: Aug 23
- O'Neill : Aug 24
- Johnson: Aug 25
- Balfour: Aug 28
- Thom : Aug 29
- Winston Knoll : Aug 30
- Martin: Aug 30 (1-3:45 p.m.)
- PVSD / Adult campus: Aug 31
Sponsored by SSWIS - Settlement Support Workers in Schools.
Questions: Email: sswis@rods.sk.ca
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Info from IRCC
First-Ever Express Entry invitations for skilled newcomers with STEM experience:
June 28, 2023—Toronto—Recognizing the immense value and transformative potential that STEM professionals bring to the country, Canada's Express Entry system is now tailored to provide a streamlined and efficient pathway for individuals with expertise in these critical fields.
By prioritizing the invitation of skilled newcomers with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) experience, Canada aims to meet the growing demand for talent and fill key positions that contribute to the nation's economic growth and technological advancement.
Read article here
New immigration stream specific to health workers
The health field is one of several key sectors of Canada’s labour force which is facing unprecedented shortages. To help respond...
Minister Fraser launches Canada’s first-ever Tech Talent Strategy at Collision 2023
Canada’s high-growth industries will provide the jobs of the future, and companies need access to top talent that will fuel innovation, and drive emerging technologies forward.
Read article here
Canada expands the Francophone Mobility Program to increase Francophone immigration
Francophone immigration is at the heart of the Government of Canada's priorities.
Read article here
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The RRLIP has many free resources about Regina, which can be found under the RRLIP Project Resources Tab on the Home page. Please feel free to use them, and share them. They are for you! You can also sign up for the NewsBlog (at the bottom of the home page). |
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