Meet an LSP Worker: Enas

July 22, 2022 | Stacey

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One of Toronto Public Library’s longstanding services for newcomers is Library Settlement Partnerships (LSP), a three-way collaboration between Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 14 library branches, and 7 local settlement agencies. With LSP, informed and multilingual settlement workers assist newcomers through the different stages of the settlement journey. Meet an LSP Worker for your settlement needs. 

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We recently interviewed Enas, an LSP Worker, to learn more about the service and their experience serving newcomers in the library:

What is a typical day for you, or is there a typical day?

On my average day of work, I start by checking email and voicemail and replying to customers. A typical day for me is when I serve three or four returning individuals and families and meet one or two new customers, and guide them through their settlement process into their new homes. I help newcomer families or individuals with their plans for education, housing and employment by connecting them to resources available in their community. I focus on connecting them to food banks, furniture banks and language assessment programs along with filling out forms such as child benefits, Social Insurance Number and study permits. 

How long have you been working in settlement services? What drew you to this career?

I have been working in settlement services for five years now and what drew me to this career was the fact that I am an immigrant myself. This allows me to relate to the newcomers’ situations and understand what they are facing during their settlement process. Besides this, interacting with people and providing support gives me great happiness. Finally, I would like to be a part of someone’s success story and give back to my community.

What do you like about working in a library setting?

The library is a wonderful work setting as it has many benefits. I find working in a library to be peaceful and a comfortable environment. It is a family-oriented place that welcomes everyone and addresses their needs, as it is filled with information, activities and resources for different age groups.

What is your favourite part of the job?

There are a few! One of my favourite parts of the job is when I help newcomers understand their rights and responsibilities as well as find programs and services they need. One of the biggest barriers that newcomers face is learning English and it gives me pleasure when I can talk to my clients in their first language to help them feel more comfortable with the process.

I especially like the English Conversation Circle program, where I can directly interact with my customers in an informal group setting and discuss a variety of topics to learn and practice English.

Finally, feeling satisfaction when I successfully help customers achieve their goals.

A woman sitting at a desk in front of a laptop and holding a book titles "Coming to Canada".
The LSP worker who was interviewed.

You can attend an English Conversation Circle or other LSP programs online. Library programs are free to attend, and all are welcome. Connect directly with an LSP Worker to register for programs that take place on a third-party online platform. LSP workers can help walk you through the steps of using their selected platform carefully. Here are some upcoming LSP language support programs:

English Conversation Circle

Hosted by LSP partner TNO

Tuesdays, July 5 to September 6, 2022; 2-3:15 pm

For full details or to register, contact Enas at [email protected]

 

Let’s Speak English

Hosted by LSP partner YMCA Newcomer Information Centre

Wednesdays, August 10 & 24, September 7 & 21, 2022; 3-4 pm

For full details or to register, visit the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre page

 

Canada, My New Home

Hosted by LSP partner YMCA Newcomer Information Centre

Tuesdays & Thursdays, Ongoing; 4-5:30 pm

For full details or to register, visit the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre page

 

We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming LSP program!

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