A note from Zahra

When I joined your Civic Engagement program, I was going through a very challenging time. Every day was teaching me how to be strong—but to be strong, I needed knowledge. I needed information to find myself again and to regain the confidence to speak. At that time, I felt like someone who couldn’t see their path clearly.

Back in my home country, I studied law and was very active socially. However, after coming to Canada, even with my own research, I still felt like I didn’t know enough—about the laws, the system, or how things work here. For someone who had always been active in these areas, this was very difficult, and I had lost my confidence to speak up.

This program changed that for me. It helped me become aware again and gave me the courage to take steps forward. I even registered as a volunteer for a political party, and for the first time since arriving in Canada, I began to seriously think about returning to my legal career after receiving my permanent residency.

At the same time, I was looking for a job and eventually started working in a factory. Even then, I kept reminding myself that I should continue to follow my interests. This program helped me believe that I can be a useful member of society—that I can contribute, that I can be part of a team, and that working together can truly make a difference.

When I started working as an operator, I found the confidence to speak up when something needed improvement. I was no longer afraid to share my ideas. During a meeting with management, I told myself, “This is a step toward what I want—I need to speak.” I shared my thoughts, and the next day I was offered a supervisor role. That was a very meaningful moment for me.

I felt proud of myself—and I thought of you and this program. It truly helped me reach this point, to express myself and be heard. What might seem like a simple course was not simple for me. Every moment of it was a valuable lesson. Even interacting with my classmates taught me how to communicate with people from different backgrounds and work as part of a team.

As an immigrant, I truly hope programs like this continue. I hope others in situations like mine can find and join them. We all need to understand where we live, how systems work, and how we can be involved in our communities. Social engagement builds confidence, creativity, and a sense of purpose.

I am deeply grateful to you, and I would love to continue learning through more programs from you and your amazing team.

North York Community House has not just been a place where I volunteer—it has been like a school for me. A place where I have learned so much, grown, and rebuilt my confidence alongside all of you.

Thank you again for everything.

Warm regards,

Zahra