Faces of WEST
Maha Majdalawi
Programs Coordinator for Settlement
“Just believe in yourself, recognize your own potential, and believe in your abilities to achieve your dreams. The journey to achieving your dreams may not always be easy, and you may encounter setbacks and challenges along the way. Stay resilient and maintain a positive mindset. Remember that every challenge is an opportunity for a new route.”
- Tell us about yourself.
I’m a mom of one child – a boy who is 12 years old. I immigrated to Canada on November 11, 2016. The day that I arrived to this land was Canada’s Remembrance Day, and that day became the Remembrance Day for my family and myself. I am a member of WEST staff who assists with various tasks. My purpose is to help newcomer women who are seeking to improve their skills by providing useful training to enhance their employability skills to a find job.My passion lies in helping women to settle down here in Canada. I love helping people effectively and finding the information they’re looking for to adapt to a new country.It’s tough to pick a single favorite book, but one that often comes to mind is “The Five languages of Love”. It’s a useful book to enhance and understand your spouse, from different aspects and provoking strategies and ways to express your love.As for hobbies, I do enjoy learning new things and reading books that improve my abilities. I enjoy exercising and always look to updating my knowledge. - What does WEST mean to you?
WEST has been an incredibly important part of my journey as a newcomer to Canada. For me, WEST represents not just an organization but a gateway to a new life and opportunities in the new country. It’s where I found support, friendship, and the resources I needed to face the challenges of settling into a new environment. - What motivated you to get involved with WEST, and how has it impacted your life?
Attending the ELT program at WEST not only helped me improve my skills but also connected me with the community of fellow newcomers who became my friends. Through volunteering with the LEAD program, I was able to give back to the organization that had supported me and further integrated me into Canadian society.My dedication and hard work paid off, leading to multiple promotions within WEST, ending in my current role as EWE program lead. This is all related to my resilience and the support provided by WEST in helping me build a successful life in my new home. - In your experience, what are some of the key challenges faced by participants, and how does WEST effectively address them?
In my experience, some of the key challenges faced by WEST participants who are newcomers to Canada are first of all the Language barriers. Many newcomers face challenges in communicating effectively due to language barriers. WEST offers language training programs like the English language training (LST) classes to improve participants’ English proficiency, enhancing their ability to communicate and integrate into Canadian society. Also, the social isolation is considered as important challenge. Moving to a new country can be isolating, especially without the support of friends and family. WEST provides a supportive community environment through programs like ELT, EWE LEAD etc. and various workshops, where participants can connect with others who are going through similar experiences, enhancing the sense of belonging and reducing social isolation.Lack of job opportunities is another factor. Finding employment in a new country can be difficult due to various factors, including unfamiliarity with the job market and employer expectations. WEST offers employment support services such as job search assistance, resume writing workshops, and job placement assistance to help participants secure employment opportunities.Limited knowledge of Canadian culture and systems are other challenges for newcomers as well. Navigating the complexities of Canadian culture, systems, and resources can be overwhelming for newcomers. WEST provides information and resources through the settlement counsellors team on various aspects of Canadian life, including healthcare, education, housing, and legal rights, empowering participants to navigate their new environment with confidence. - What advice do you have for women striving to achieve their dreams?
My advice for women striving to achieve their dreams is to just believe in yourself, recognize your own potential, and believe in your abilities to achieve your dreams. It’s natural to face doubts and challenges along the way, but maintaining self-confidence and resilience will help you overcome obstacles and stay focused on your goals. Secondly, try to network and build relationships. Networking is essential for career and personal growth. Attend networking events and participate in community activities to expand your network and build relationships with individuals who can support and mentor you along the way. Also be proactive and adaptable. Success often requires you to be ready for changing circumstances, willing to step out of your comfort zone, look for opportunities, and learn from both successes and failures. The most important is to give back and support others, as you achieve your own dreams. Share your knowledge, experiences, and resources with others, and be a source of inspiration and encouragement for those who believe in you. Finally, the journey to achieving your dreams may not always be easy, and you may encounter setbacks and challenges along the way. Stay resilient and maintain a positive mindset. Remember that every challenge is an opportunity for a new route.
