Learning Forward: A Journey of Change
The Canada Connect Mentorship program
by Shazia Shareef
A Match Story from the Canada Connect Program. This story is based on the monthly progress reports submitted by Volunteer Mentor Disha, documenting their match and collaborative journey with Newcomer Nur.
The journey began through the Regina Open Door Society, where a bridge was built under the Canada Connect program. This partnership matched Khadija Nur, a newcomer seeking a foundation in her community, with Disha, a volunteer mentor. Their journey started with a visit to the local library, a space that would soon become the cornerstone of their learning experience.
The library was the ideal setting for their first meeting: warm, accessible, and welcoming. As they sat across from each other, there was a mix of curiosity and quiet hope. Their very first accomplishment was a “small win” with a large impact: securing Nur’s first library card. This provided her with immediate access to digital resources, workshops, and a safe space for lifelong learning. From then on, the library became their weekly sanctuary for progress.
Each session brought steady steps toward independence. They practiced digital literacy, improving typing and keyboard navigation, and enhanced English skills through community-based learning at local shops. As Nur’s confidence grew, she felt empowered to explore her own path toward community engagement. Disha guided her through the Regina Open Door Society’s volunteer application process, helping her find a program where she could support other newcomers. This step allowed her to gain Canadian work experience while building the local references and professional networks essential for her future.
They navigated essential settlement topics together, including government benefits, open work permit regulations, and the Canadian school system. When Nur shared challenges at work and her journey to Canada, the mentorship shifted toward self-advocacy. They discussed labour rights and identified where to find professional support, reinforcing the vital message that she was not alone in her transition.
To support Nur’s career goals, they explored job fairs, identified potential employment scams, and utilized Disha’s own experience in the Career Enhancement program at Saskatchewan Polytech as a roadmap. Together, they built her LinkedIn profile and drafted a resumé that highlighted her unique strengths and international experience.
A significant breakthrough occurred during a digital literacy session when Nur discovered the library’s vast online learning tools. Seeing the professional courses available at her fingertips was a transformative moment of empowerment. By the end of the match, Nur was no longer a hesitant newcomer; she was a confident, prepared, and active community member.
This Canada Connect match is just one of many. Every newcomer arrives with a heart full of hope but a map that is often difficult to read. By becoming a volunteer with Canada Connect, you aren’t just giving your time, you are providing the “key” to someone’s future. Whether it’s helping someone navigate community resources or build their first Canadian résumé, your mentorship can be the bridge between surviving and thriving.
This Canada Connect match is just one of many. Every newcomer arrives with a heart full of hope but a map that is often difficult to read. By becoming a volunteer with Canada Connect, you aren’t just giving your time, you are providing the “key” to someone’s future. Whether it’s helping someone navigate community resources or build their first Canadian résumé, your mentorship can be the bridge between surviving and thriving.
Ready to make a difference? Sign up to our volunteer program.
