We can gain a new perspective on the lives and viewpoints of our fellow humans by visiting other countries, reading books or, for those who participated in the Human Library on Sunday, talking to “human books”, immigrants from other countries, who graciously offered to share their stories.
I found language classes difficult. Then I decided to just learn one thing at a time - that worked for me. | I was asked to speak Jamaican. I had to explain that I was speaking Jamaican - the language spoken in Jamaica is English. |
Upon arrival in Canada, language can be a major barrier to adapting, but not always.
During the event organized by the Elgin Cultural Diversity Committee and held at St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, I checked out three of the “books”, people who had come to Canada as immigrants from Jamaica, Guatemala and Great Britain.
Chatting briefly with them revealed that the reasons for leaving one’s birth country and coming to Canada to live can vary tremendously, from the desire to live in a less violent society, be with the one you love, or be re-united with your children. And the process varies considerably in time and steps required depending upon personal circumstances.
Chatting briefly with them revealed that the reasons for leaving one’s birth country and coming to Canada to live can vary tremendously, from the desire to live in a less violent society, be with the one you love, or be re-united with your children. And the process varies considerably in time and steps required depending upon personal circumstances.
I had seen photos and movies of snow before I came to Canada – it looked so pretty! But when my family back home asked me to describe winter, I told them it’s like being in a big freezer all the time!”
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As one can imagine, for immigrants from warm climates, Canadian winter has got to be another big adjustment.
Some immigrants study to become Canadian citizens - sounds like it's a test for which the majority of Canadian-born citizens would also need some serious study.
The citizenship test included quite a few questions on the War of 1812 and others like "Which is the province of lakes?" and "What is the deepest lake in North America?"
All of my “reads” shared a bit about their own countries and traditions. (Organizers also offered a plate of desserts from different countries – a delicious taste of other cultures!)
Each "book" has brought unique contributions to Canada, was enthusiastic about the lives they have made here and shared their thoughts on working, living, or raising a family in St. Thomas. For each one, an appreciation of being able to call this place home was evident – and that’s contagious!
Organizers and "books" in the Human Library
It is the vision of the St. Thomas Local Immigration Partnership (ST-ELIP) to make St. Thomas and Elgin County culturally diverse, welcoming, caring and inclusive communities that will retain its residents, welcome newcomers and will provide them the opportunity to successfully integrate, contribute to, and benefit from social, cultural and economic inclusion. Find out more ...
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