Canada immigration invests to help integration of immigrant children

Canada, 22nd November: The government of Canada is helping successful integration of immigrant children and families into Canadian society through investment of around $1.6 million.

A special program named SWIS(Settlement Workers in Schools) helps immigrants and their families through interactive orientation to the system of Ontario schools and also provides referrals to various community support services including settlement agencies.

Such programs aim to help youth immigrants and their families settle successfully in their new homes, stated Member of Parliament for London West, Ed Holder on behalf of the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney.

He said that the investment of $1.6 million will prove to be of great help in improving the lives of young immigrants in London adding that investment in the youth is an investment in Canada’s future. He maintained that settlement workers help in increasing cultural awareness in London area schools by engaging with school staff, students and parents.

Sharing views with Holder, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Dr. Eric Hoskins said that the government of Canada does know that helping families of new immigrants in successful settlement is vital to the success of the nation.

Dr. Hoskins said that there settlement resources should be readily accessible. And by extending the availablity of settlement workers in schools in London, the Canadian government is ensuring that requirements of the new immigrant families are met, added Dr. Hoskins.

According to a Learning Coordinator with the Thames Valley District School Board, Jeffery Robinson, the SWIS program is a brilliant example of how immigrant students as well as their families can be helped in successful adjustment in their new homes in London through the efforts of a community partnership.

Robinson said that schools happen to be a community hub and a meeting place for parents and children of new Canadians.

The government of Canada has been extending increased help to the newcomers in Canada. This is evident from the expenditure on settlement services meant for immigrants in Ontario which has almost tripled since the year 2005.

The Canadian government has allocated $428 million for settlement services(including employment search workshops, language training in schools etc.)for new immigrants in Ontario.