Asha’s Story

I would like to share my experience with Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre. Firstly, I want to nail a fact, the people in this center working like members in one big family. I am going to list the people who helped me from earlier to lately.

First time I entered the center was in early 2018, it was after two months of my arrival to Canada. The first person I met was a lady her name Wasan, she welcomed me and explained to me what the center services for the newcomers. She introduces me to another lady her name Eunice, she welcomed in in her office (March 2018 before COVID-19). She helped me a lot till the moment I am writing this letter. At the beginning she explained the claim process , applied for the work permit, social number, fill out forms, find accommodation, apply for my Permanent residence. More than that, any question I have she been replying by email or phone. I mean she is available any time in the day.

During my refuge case, my lawyer asked me for documents translation, so I approach the Multicultural Center, I met Fatah, he was just like a brother that I left behind in my former country, he translates all my documents to English, and my Toronto-based lawyer stated calling Fattah to fax the translated documents and Fattah replying like it is his own case.

When I applied for permanent residence, the government asked for Police Clearance Certificate, and I tried to apply online, but I failed to get any reply from the country that I was resident before I come to Canada. And again, I approach the Multicultural Center and call them, and a lady her name Suha Al-Hindawi, she was ready to help and immediately correctly applied for me and within one day I received my Police Clearance Certificate.

For them it’s their job to help but for people like me refugee newcomers feeling lost in a new country new environment, they open their arms to make feel home talking to you in eyes to find the exact way to help you. I have to thank my GOD for two things, first, to guide me to come to this peaceful country. Secondly, to put me among Multicultural Centre’s family.

Note: the people in the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre are happy to help, they are willing to help more than their duties. And always each one of them reminding me at the end of their help if I have anything to ask or anything I need.

Never felt that I am alone.

Thanks a LOT!!

Asha