Garima Tiwari may be shy in the classroom but when it comes to volunteering at Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH), she couldn’t be more opposite.
Since moving with her family from India to Canada in May 2023, Garima, who recently graduated from Windermere Secondary School, says she’s faced language barriers, cultural adjustments and difficulties making friendships.
In part, Garima says she fears judgement from her peers but overall, she says she identifies as an introvert. “It’s hard for me to talk to new people but when I came here, I just started talking to people around me.”
While she acknowledges it wasn’t always easy for her to speak up at CNH, it has become easier over time. “Today, I am just talking,” says Garima. “Like, I talk well here and a lot, rather than in my school.”
After a visit from CNH staff at Windermere last fall, Garima says she chose to volunteer with the Women’s Leadership Development program, which has proved to be a transformative experience. In addition to shifting her perspective on life, Garima has a newfound ability to connect with others.
“I learn a lot with those women,” explains Garima. “Everyone has their own story and everyone has their own struggles.”
Organized by CNH’s settlement team, the Women’s Leadership Development program highlights the importance of cultural understanding, diversity and inclusivity in the context of leadership development for immigrant women.
Karen Caguioa, program manager, says Garima’s “natural leadership” quickly surfaced within the program where staff have witnessed Garima instill “energy and insight” into the group.
“Saturdays became her platform for learning workshop preparation and public speaking, [and] on International Women’s Day in March, Garima delivered a stirring speech, championing inclusion and social justice,” says Caguioa. “Her dedication earned her recognition as a role model for women of all ages.”
Using her experience volunteering with the program, Garima says she’s learned that every woman faces “a lot” in their life. And although most participants are older than her, she connects to their stories through her mother.
For herself, Garima recognizes that she is also a young woman with her own experiences as a newcomer. “I travelled from India to here so it’s a hard part for me, too,” she notes. “I left my culture, my friends over there, my language.”
In addition to volunteering with the Women’s Leadership Development program at CNH, Garima dedicates herself to setting up the program rooms every Thursday after school for settlement youth programs, welcoming and engaging with participants her age.
With aspirations of becoming a permanent resident, attending post-secondary and eventually studying to become a lawyer, Garima attributes her growth to CNH.
“I feel so blessed to return here,” she says. “When I come here, I talk a lot with different people of my age and with my elders, too, so I know I’m just improving myself over here and [CNH has] really helped me a lot.”
This story was originally written for our 2024 Annual Report, which highlights the experiences of program participants, volunteers and community members at CNH. Learn more about our programs for newcomers and immigrants at www.cnh.bc.ca/settlement.