March 19, 2010

MARKHAM – With the official opening of a new facility aimed at serving their needs today, young immigrants in Markham now have a place to go to improve their skills and expand their social circles.

Funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the Immigrant Youth Centre (IYC) is mandated to help immigrants aged 13 to 24 to settle and succeed in their new home in Canada.

"This initiative will enhance the community's ability to help newcomers integrate successfully," said Oak Ridges-Markham MP Paul Calandra, on behalf of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. "That is why the Government of Canada is pleased to announce a $1,518,661 investment in the Centre for Information and Community Services to provide settlement services for newcomer youth."

“While young immigrants can find support in traditional community service agencies, many of them do feel more comfortable in a youth-oriented facility,” said David Pao, the president of the Centre for Immigration and Community Services, the agency that operates the IYC.

Hundreds of guests and members of the public attended the Grand Opening, which featured two segments that highlighted young immigrants’ aspirations and the IYC’s mission, and the open house afterward.

In the One Voice segment, lights were dimmed and a spot light was shone on five teenagers as they shared their hopes and dreams on stage.  Their stories called to attention young immigrants’ desire for support from the community and their appreciation for the CICS’ determination to serve young immigrants through the IYC.  After each story, each youngster presented a dignitary with a leaf with a word representing a heartfelt sentiment.  These leaves were then attached to a tree to symbolize the growth of young immigrants’ skills and confidence through the support of the IYC.

Following this segment, guests of honour participated in a unique ribbon-cutting ceremony.  On the ribbon were balloons tied to butterfly figurines at the bottom.  As the ribbon was cut, the balloons were released and flew toward the sky: This was to symbolize young immigrants’ moving upward toward their goals.

At the conclusion of the official portion of the ceremony, guests and members of the public toured the 5,100 sq.-ft facility, which has an audio-visual studio, a computer lab, two multi-purpose classrooms and a drop-in area with teens’ favourite games such as Foosball, air hockey and Wii.
“It’s great to see our community partners and members of the public here,” said Ms. Moy Wong-Tam, Executive Director of CICS.  “Let’s get the word out so young immigrants and their families can come and take advantage of the services and programs at the centre.” 

At the IYC, young newcomers can enroll in English conversation, academic tutoring and LINC programs to strengthen their language and study skills.  The artistically-oriented ones may immerse themselves in guitar, hip-hop, DJ and video-editing lessons.  Self-understanding and new friendships can be developed in life skill workshops and movie nights.  Questions about writing résumés and concerns about job interviews are answered in the career series.  Individuals can also receive counselling in the centre.

The Immigrant Youth Centre is located at 5284 Highway 7 East in the northeast corner of McCowan and Hwy. 7 and is open from Monday to Saturday.  Members of the public can also call 905-294 8868 or visit IYC website (www.cicsiyc.org) to find out more about the programs and services at the centre.