Moving to a new school in a different country and culture can be daunting, but Iliana Dadabaeva’s experience relocating from Kyrgyzstan to Steinbach a year ago was made easier by the Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) program provided by Eastman Immigrant Services (EIS). The program helped her 10-year-old son David quickly forge new friendships in their new community, starting with a SWIS-sponsored bike ride that introduced him to friends from various countries such as the Philippines and Ukraine.
Since January, EIS has assisted nearly 4,000 individuals from 35 different countries in the region with a range of services including schooling, employment, language learning, preschool guidance, and community integration through volunteer support. The high demand for their services led to the opening of a second building in Steinbach and the recruitment of two additional SWIS staff, increasing their team to 25 members dedicated to helping children aged five to 18.
Funding for SWIS’s essential programs is provided by Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada, with support from local partners playing a crucial role. Through the program, David and other children received new bikes, helmets, and locks during a five-day initiative, sponsored by Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart, Manitoba Public Insurance, and the local RCMP, fostering camaraderie among participants from diverse backgrounds.
SWIS lead Tiffany Froese highlighted the positive impact of the bike program, noting how participants formed strong bonds and enjoyed riding together after the event. Additionally, plans are underway for a five-day collaboration with coaches from the Prairie Basketball League, initiated by the Steinbach Filipino community and open to all residents interested in playing basketball.
Recognizing the importance of social connections alongside education, Froese emphasized the value of the program in supporting families’ social needs. Meanwhile, the SWIS program has already assisted 1,819 parents and children in two school divisions this year, aiding with homework, grade placement, and overall adjustment to the education system in southeast Manitoba.
In a nearby village east of Steinbach, Ukrainian families who sought refuge from the Russian invasion added to the local population two years ago. SWIS workers engaged with the new Ukrainian students, balancing English language learning and academic support with social activities to help them integrate and build confidence. School administrators noted the positive transformation in the children’s demeanor, attributing it to the supportive environment created by the EIS staff’s diverse expertise.
The connection established with the Ukrainian families was instrumental in helping them navigate the challenges of relocation and cultural adjustment. Overall, the SWIS program continues to play a vital role in facilitating the integration and well-being of newcomers in the community.
