Stories of Impact
The Library Champions Project partnered with the Surrey Local Immigration Partnership on an initiative called: “Stories of Impact”. This Surrey LIP video storytelling project showcases the resilience and diverse experiences of immigrants who have settled in Surrey. The videos featured three Library Champions: Rashi from India, Tayo from Nigeria and Erika from Columbia. These individuals share their unique settlement journeys and how they overcame challenges to build meaningful lives in Surrey. Each video is compelling and inspiring.
To see all five videos, go to Stories of Impact. For more information about the initiative, visit the Surrey LIP website.
Stories of Impact – Rashi’s Story
Born in Gorakhpur, a small town in Uttar Pradesh, India, Rashi reflects on her journey from a vacation in Canada with her husband in 2016 to fully settling down in the new country and calling it home.
Stories of Impact – Tayo’s Journey
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Tayo is a dedicated, passionate dentist who relocated to Canada in search of better financial stability and equality, and to raise a family. After restarting his dentistry career, he re-achieved his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and has now become a Canadian citizen in 2023.
Stories of Impact – Erika’s Story
Originally from Bucaramanga, a small town in Colombia, Erika was a Biology teacher for 15 years. She moved to Surrey in 2020 with her husband and has since navigated the challenges of learning English and re-establishing her career. After a cancer diagnosis in 2022, Erika made a remarkable recovery and is looking forward to her future in Canada.
What do Library Champions Say About the Project?
Library Champions gain valuable volunteer experience and help other new immigrants. Watch these videos and read the testimonials below to get an understanding of how being a Library Champion changes the lives of participants and the lives of other newcomers in their communities.
Library Champion Grace Li
proudly talks about how she’s used all she learned as a Library Champion to help other newcomers. For her, it isn’t just a volunteering job, but something she genuinely enjoys doing.
Library Champion Adris Walli
reflects on why he became a Champion and how it’s had a profound effect on his life.
Library Champion Sonya Govahi
talks about her passion for helping others and how being a Library Champion lets her reach out to newcomers and immigrants in her community.
More Testimonials from Library Champions
For many Library Champions, the joy often stems from the tangible impact they make on their communities. Whether it’s helping someone discover a newfound love for reading, empowering others with essential digital skills, or fostering a sense of belonging and community through outreach efforts, the opportunity to positively influence the lives of others is a source of immense satisfaction.
April 26, 2024
This project is a great opportunity to practice my soft skills, learn more about Canada and meeting interesting people. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Library Champions team!
January 30, 2024
[The Library Champions Project is] an incredible adventure, allowing you to feel like a necessary and important part of a new country. Full of new friendships and valuable information.
January 11, 2024
I highly recommend the Library Champions Project to fellow newcomers, especially for its transformative impact on self-confidence and community integration. Being part of this initiative not only strengthens language skills but also fosters a sense of belonging through group activities. It’s a journey towards building self-assurance and meaningful connections in a new environment.
December 18, 2023
This is an incredible chance to become part of a vibrant community. By getting involved, you open doors to not only discovering more about the library but also enhancing essential skills like communication, listening, and presentation. Additionally, spreading the word about library services brings a profound sense of fulfillment when witnessing the joy people experience upon finding resources that can assist them in their endeavours.
December 12, 2023
The Library Champions Project…is an excellent initiative that I highly recommend to new immigrants or refugees. It is designed to help you integrate into Canadian society, improve your language skills, and connect with your local community through the public library system. The Library Champions Project aims to empower individuals…to become ambassadors for the library and literacy. By participating in this program, you can develop essential skills, gain confidence, and build a network of support. The program provides supportive and inclusive environment where you can find guidance, resources, and mentors who can assist you in navigating the Canadian society.
July 8, 2023
I became even more aware of the diversity of our community and the importance of cultural sensitivity in our everyday interactions. This project made me reflect on the fact that we are all unique and despite our differences we are all working together towards one common goal of creating a peaceful, supportive and more inclusive community. I am proud to be a member of this community and after participating in this project I feel even more connected to it and empowered to contribute to its further growth and success.
June 22, 2023
“It’s really an amazing program for any newcomers to BC. This program not only enhanced my ability to make connections but also enriched me with the plethora of options in libraries in BC.
July 25, 2023
