Christine: “…Bredin gives me a sense of belonging and community…”

Christine Manipon came to Edmonton on July of 2016, and less than a year later, her skills were being purchased by the Government of Alberta. Well, lets just say, she started working for the Government of Alberta in such a short time. Christine made her quick transition thanks to the support of the Bredin Centre for Learning where she worked with Settlement Councillor Cristy Aquino, and has kept in touch ever since going back to attend events and to volunteer and give back to help other newcomers. 

“…Bredin gives me a sense of belonging and community…,” Christine Manipon, Bredin Client.

Every year, Bredin get their newcomer clients like Christine to share their story using videos in a digital story sharing event. In an event at Santa Maria Goretti Centre, Edmonton, on March 18, 2019, Bredin gave the platform to clients, and organizational partners to share their journeys, as well as, hand out awards.

“…This is an event to help immigrant tell their story in an emotional way to raise awareness on how newcomers adapt to a new culture and what they have to give up to come here…,” Tarek Fathelbab, Manager of Community Engagement at Bredin Centre for Learning.

Organizational partners like NAIT, CIBC, Shoppers Drug Mart, and the City of Edmonton present at the event shared the role they played in helping Bredin clients source opportunities by; organizing workshops, educating them on the workings of organizations in Canada, and share their experiences with Bredin clients close-up in their organizations. 

When newcomers come to Canada, their top priority is to find a job to take care of themselves and family. Finding a job is a full time job in itself. When Mohammed Nadhim arrived in Edmonton, he went to Bredin. His Settlement Councillor at Bredin helped him craft two kinds of resumes; one for a survival job, and another for a professional job. Atulya D’Costa moved to Edmonton in January 2019, and went to Bredin, recommended by a friend, a couple of months later, she is working her way up with a survival job at Starbucks.

“…Thank you again Bredin. I look forward to the support…,”Atulya D’Costa, Bredin client.

Bredin Centre for Learning provides responsive services that empower and connect people to fully contribute to Alberta through pathways to education and employment.