Community program

The program was divided in multiple sections, but dealt mainly with restoring old computers in order to preserve the environment and developing job-hunting skills. “The girls learned to recycle electronics parts and computers to give them another life. They also received a very useful formation,” said Director of CEJFI Régine Alende Tshombokongo. What those young women have learned is of course beneficial to them, but also to the rest of the community as the restored computers were all given to local community groups in the borough.

Another part of the program allowed the young immigrants to rally behind a common cause, even though they come from different parts of the world (Maghreb, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Africa, etc.). For a few months, they were hard at work on a project they all deeply cared about: an oral presentation on climate change. They presented their work during the closing ceremony.

“The main goal of the formation was to encourage them to go back to school or to help them get a job,” mentioned Mrs. Alende Tshombokongo.

Apparently, it worked very well since many of the participants were selected for internships in several businesses, while others were immediately hired. For the most part, the rest decided to go back to school.

A federal government subsidy was announced by M.P. Stéphane Dion during the event. Councillor Patrica Bittar was also present as she’s been involved with the CEJFI for many years now. Alia Haddad and Manon Germain of Service Canada were also in attendance.

The recently relocated CEJFI once again showed that it was a valuable institution in the community by helping those who chose to begin a new life here in Quebec.

(Translated by Pascal LeBlanc)

(Photo: Maya d'Alarie-Photo)