Newcomer youth in Saint John, N.B. (submitted)
Saint John may seem a bit intimidating for young newcomers but, a new event aims to help with that.
A group of young newcomers will host an event this weekend focused on discussing some of the challenges they face.
It’s being co-hosted by the Union of Youth Newcomers in Saint John and Atlantic Council for International Cooperation.
Organizer Omar Morad says it will have food, dancing, music, panel discussions featuring youth groups and immigrant entrepreneurs.
He says he struggled with English when he came here a year ago and with becoming social but, now he helps newcomers.
“I start to share volunteer culture. All of it is like a challenge for me. I speak with people when I do presentations,” Morad said.
Morad says they arranged the event so local newcomers can share some of their challenges.
“Because some newcomers when they come have a culture shock,” Morad said.
One panel discussion will focus on the challenges for youth in meeting people and finding ways to become active.
“Some kids are from middle school. [They] have problems learning how to be social in the beginning and how to make friends,” Morad said.
A panel discussion featuring immigrant entrepreneurs includes representatives of Let’s Hummus, Kaima African Designs and Sankara.
Challenges in Saint John 2020 starts at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Kent Theatre.
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