The Community Partnership Network was formed around a recognized need to develop a greater understanding and closer connections on issues and services related to immigrant integration. These resources provide an overview of publicly supported immigrant settlement & integration programs in Greater Victoria.

Immigrant Settlement Services

ICA offers a range of services for immigrants, including: professional mentorships, beginner to intermediate English classes, settlement services in 20 languages, translation services, virtual host volunteers, and social groups. Two other community services also provide immigrant settlement services in Greater Victoria. They are:

Greater Victoria School District, Settlement Workers in Schools Program (SWIS)

SWIS is a school-based outreach program for immigrant and refugee students and their families. Two settlement workers are based at George Jay Elementary School. They offer assistance in the form of helping families access community services, provide a human link between school staff and families, and present newcomer needs to schools and service providers.
http://www.sd61.bc.ca/swis.aspx

Victoria Immigrant & Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS), Settlement Services for Newcomers.

VIRCS multicultural staff delivers a wide range of services to immigrants, refugees, new Canadian citizens, and visible minorities. Programs and services include orientation to living in Victoria, service referrals, cultural bridging, English, job search and other learning workshops to support a variety of immigrants’ needs.
http://www.vircs.bc.ca/settlement/newcomers.php

English Language & Skills Enhancement Programs

ICA offers government-funded English language training from Beginners to High-Intermediate level for adult newcomers under two program streams. The ELSA program provides practical English and information about life in Canada. The Labour Market Focussed (LMF) ELSA program is for intermediate level learners who are seeking work. Other English and skill development services include:

Camosun College, School of Access

Camosun College is the largest provider of English as a Second Language (ESL) training for B.C. immigrants outside the Lower Mainland; with approximately 600 full or part-time enrolments annually. ESL courses are offered in three streams: general intermediate ESL, academic preparation, and career and professional stream.
http://camosun.ca/learn/school/access/#accessprograms

Greater Victoria Public Library, Multicultural Services

The Library offers a collection of music, films, magazines, newspapers and books in 14 languages. Online newspapers and magazines are also available from 55 countries in 33 languages. In addition, the Library website includes immigrant settlement guides and a citizenship practice test.
http://www.gvpl.ca/services/multicultural/

Greater Victoria School District, ESL Services.

English as a Second Language is offered in all schools to Canadian residents whose English language skills need improvement in order to be academically successful. Students may be funded to receive additional ESL instruction to a maximum of 5 years.
http://www.sd61.bc.ca/esl.aspx

READ Society, Workplace Learning Program

Customized services may include blending basic skills education with on-the-job training through one-on-one teaching, on-site short courses and individual learning plans. A workplace learning program can help improve employees’ basic skills in reading, writing, mathematics, computer skills and English as a second language.
http://www.readsociety.bc.ca/workplace.htm

Creating Welcoming Workplaces

ICA and Volunteer Victoria are offering customized Diversity Training Workshops with a focus on developing culturally welcoming communities and businesses.

For more information on the Diversity Workshop for community service organizations, please contact Steven Lorenzo Baileys at 250-388-4728 ext 116 or sbaileys@icavictoria.org