Stories of Impact
In Fall 2024, NewToBC 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
Participating in the Library Champions Project has been a profoundly enriching experience for me. As a newcomer to Canada, I faced the challenge of rebuilding my social identity and finding a sense of belonging in my new home. This program provided the perfect platform to bridge that gap. Through the comprehensive training sessions, I not only enhanced my communication and outreach skills but also gained a deep understanding of the invaluable resources our public libraries offer. Engaging with fellow participants, each with their unique backgrounds and stories, fostered a supportive community where we could share experiences and learn from one another. This camaraderie alleviated the isolation I initially felt and reinstated the active social engagement I had missed since leaving my home country. Moreover, by reaching out to other newcomers and informing them about library and settlement services, I experienced a renewed sense of purpose and contribution to society. The program not only facilitated my integration into the community but also empowered me to assist others on their journey, making me feel socially useful and connected once again.
April 6, 2025
Participating in the Library Champions Project has been transformative. It has deepened my understanding of library resources, enhanced my communication skills, and fostered community connections. This experience has boosted my confidence and given me a sense of purpose by promoting inclusivity and cultural exchange within my community.
March 22, 2025
Being a Library Champion made me happiest because I could connect with people from different cultures and learn about their unique traditions and stories. It was rewarding to help create a welcoming space where everyone felt included and valued. Sharing knowledge and promoting diversity made the experience truly meaningful.
January 12, 2025
The Library Champions Project is more than just a volunteer opportunity—it’s a stepping stone to building a stronger sense of belonging in your new community.
December 5, 2024
In addition to connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds, I have forged valuable relationships with colleagues who share my career path. Through these interactions, I have gained insights into various cultures from different continents. I envision myself engaging more frequently, particularly with newcomers to the country, to share information about the resources available at the library.
December 5, 2024
Being a Library Champion brought me immense joy as it allowed me to improve my communication skills while making meaningful connections within the community. Engaging with other immigrants and sharing resources that helped me in my job search gave me a deep sense of purpose. Additionally, presenting on various platforms boosted my confidence and allowed me to see the positive impact I could have on others. Knowing that my efforts were contributing to helping others adapt and thrive made the experience truly fulfilling.
December 5, 2024
It’s a fantastic program that helps you connect with your new community, learn about essential library resources, and build skills for daily life. Through this project, you can improve your English, gain valuable knowledge about local services, and meet other newcomers. It’s also an opportunity to help others by sharing what we learn. Joining this program can make settling into a new country much easier and more enjoyable.
November 12, 2024
The Library Champions Project is more than just a volunteer opportunity – it’s a gateway to become an active and engaged member of your new community. Don’t miss out on this chance to learn, grow, and make a difference.
July 2, 2024
