Volume 6 | June 2018
Helping young people get an education
Dear CCI Friend,

Education is critical to enjoying success in Canada.

The same is true for young newcomers who are looking to build their own Canadian dreams. But for these young people, it can be difficult to get a higher education. There might be language issues, financial challenges and the stress of adapting to a new culture and country.

That's why our youth program offers counselling to help young newcomers explore post-secondary education opportunities.

A recent report shows programs like ours are making a difference. The report points out that newcomer youth are heading to university and colleges in great numbers. That's because immigrant parents place a great deal of importance on education. When newcomers pursue an education, they are more likely to find success in the workplace.

But we still need your help. Please make a donation today to help all young newcomers realize their full potential in your community. When you give today, they will give back tomorrow.

Kindest regards,

Carl Nicholson
Executive Director
Fatma thriving at school and in her community
Fatma Ibrahim is one of the many students across Ottawa’s schools whose first language is Arabic.

But that hasn't stopped this Grade 11 student from excelling. She recently scored a 90 per cent in math and is doing well in all of her other courses, including English. Fatma is one of the almost 2,000 Syrian refugees who came to Ottawa in early 2016.

She remembers the day the family arrived in Ottawa. “The Catholic Centre for Immigrants really helped us with a lot of things. They also helped me find a good school in the St Laurent area. I am so happy and grateful for the great job they did to help us.”

With CCI's help, Fatma and her family found a wonderful apartment. “The place is so convenient. We have the St. Laurent mall near us and we are surrounded by shops. My father is so happy we found a good place like this one.”

Fatma wants to be a doctor and plans to work with people living in poverty.

“Thank you Canada, you have helped me and more other people to make Canada our new home,” says Fatma.

Congratulations, Carl!
Our own Carl Nicholson received an honorary degree from Algonquin College earlier this week.

Carl has been a tireless advocate for several not-for-profit and immigrant services organizations, often helping to start, lead or chair them.

As our executive director, he has led a team that has helped settle thousands of refugees in Ottawa as well as offer programs and services to immigrants from around the world.

Carl credits his parents and his Christian heritage for instilling his sense of duty. “I learned from my parents that there is pleasure in causing good things to happen for others.”

Carl's message to the graduates is to take joy in helping others and to be the best they can be.
Matching Program looking for volunteers
Are you interested in helping a newcomer thrive in your city? Then the Matching Program might be the perfect volunteer opportunity for you.

The program provides one-on-one support to help newcomers adjust to life in Ottawa by introducing them to established community members. Matches can be one-on-one, family to family or one volunteers with a newcomer family.

If you would like to volunteer with the Matching Program, please check out our volunteer page and fill out the application form .
Honour your special graduate today
Graduating from high school is one of the first major life milestones for a young person.

This month you can honour the graduate in your family by making a donation that will help other young people realize their dreams of getting an education.

When you make a donation, you'll help young newcomers who are rebuilding their lives while getting an education. 

It's easy to honour your graduate. Simply click on this  link . Fill out all the pertinent information and then select Dedicate Your Donation. You can instantly send an e-card. We have a wide variety of beautiful e-cards that will let your graduate know how much they mean to you. The best part is you're helping other students in your community.