ISANS opens new Halifax centre as friendly space for newcomer youth

The Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia has opened a new centre to support young newcomers to Canada and their families.

The Youth and Family Centre in west-end Halifax is intended to serve participants ages 13 to 30 with programs that emphasize education and job skills. 

"What we heard from them was that they wanted their own space," said Paula Knight, CEO of ISANS. "So they can connect, do different programming — it's a place that they can just come together."

The satellite location is near the main ISANS office on Mumford Road. It was designed with input from youth and has some amenities to make it a comfortable hangout spot as well as a classroom. These include dimmable lights, a small kitchenette and artwork by program participants. 

Reem Halawani moved to Canada from Turkey in 2021. She enjoyed English television and music before moving and is comfortable in the language, but she's been spending some time with her classmates brushing up on computer and customer service skills.

"The centre is really perfect for a newcomer," she said.

"They help you with improving your English, improving your resume. They help you build your resume, and they help you also find a job and connect with employers."

On Monday, 10 students were discussing conflict resolution in career situations but took a break for a short ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the space.

Hanin Kassas moved to Canada from Egypt in 2023 and is enrolled in an 11-week career skills course that aims to prepare participants for the workplace.

Students, including those who arrived from Syria, Rwanda and Ethiopia, are also participating in the course, which will be followed by a 600-hour work placement. Previous participants have done placements in businesses like autobody shops, health care and early childhood education.

Kassas said she's enjoying the program and hopes for a work placement in an office setting. 

"We learned a lot of things about the Canadian workplace and how to improve our skills," she said. "So far, it's amazing."

ISANS said last year it had more than 4,800 youth clients.