Canada/To meet people here through intercultural twinning

With offices in Lachine, Verdun, Nuns' Island and Côte-Saint-Paul, the Social Centre for Immigrant Aid (CSAI) offers an intercultural twinning program, a bridge that facilitates the integration of people who have recently arrived in Montreal with the contribution of a long-time resident.

This initiative aims to help people become familiar with local society and culture, discover their neighbourhood (and all of Montreal) and break the isolation. These intercultural matches also promote the learning of French and contribute to broadening one's social network.

4 twinned people give their opinion on the CSAI program

Two pairs shared the following testimonials describing their respective experiences.

Meaghan and Perla (Verdun-IDS)

Meaghan, Nuns' Island volunteer:

"I signed up to volunteer for the match because I know from experience that integrating into a new culture can be a huge challenge and because I find that any cross-cultural experience is an opportunity to learn and grow as a person.

I expected it to be a rich learning experience, but I didn't expect it to click so naturally and reciprocally with my twin and here I am with a precious new friend! It far surpasses my expectations and I highly recommend anyone to get involved as a small gesture of solidarity can be so rewarding! Thank you CSAI for organizing this program. "

Perla, newcomer from Mexico:

"She has not only been my twin, I already consider her a wonderful friend, a confidante. We enjoyed the activities and also shared very important moments of our lives. "

Xundong and Emile (Southwest)

Xundong, newcomer from China:

"My twin and I have a foundation of mutual trust and don't need much preparation before the exchange, just that the topic is discussed, and the benefits are very quick! "

Emile, volunteer from Ville-Émard in the Southwest:

"Intercultural twinning benefits from being widespread in society. It is enriching for the newcomer, who learns the habits and customs of his host society, but also for his twin, who opens up to the world. "

How can I volunteer by participating in this cross-cultural twinning program?

CSAI is looking for volunteers to connect them with immigrant individuals or families. All you need is to have lived here for at least 5 years.

For volunteers, it is an opportunity to discover another culture, to meet new people, to participate in social and cultural activities at a reduced cost and to better understand the realities that affect people who have just arrived from elsewhere.

How do I participate?

Simply register by filling out this form. You can consult this document and ask your questions about this program by email(jumelage@centrecsai.org).

Source: newsdici.com/