New Horizon: Socio-Economic Project for South Asian Immigrants

Thousands of families from across the globe are awarded immigrant status in Canada every year, a majority of whom are from Asia and South Asia. Once in Canada, these immigrants face difficulties in attaining a decent living. In some cases they have to seek welfare to support themselves, thus instead of becoming integral part of the society they end up becoming a burden for the Canadian government.

Some of the problems faced by these citizens include cultural shock, language skills, education degrees that need to be upgraded and inability to secure a good paying job. The fact that the degrees these immigrants bring from their native countries are not acceptable in Canada, unless they are upgraded, produces downward social mobility. Some of these immigrants who were doctors, engineers, lawyers etc. in their own countries find that they have to get Canadian degrees and experience in order for them to resume their previous careers. Most of these people are the sole supporters of the family; they cannot afford to be jobless while they complete their education. These immigrants find low paying jobs as security guards, taxi drivers or factory laborers in order to support their families. Some of these immigrants don't have the support system to guide them through the proper channels to have their degrees appraised and help them in finding a suitable job opportunity.

In most cases, the income from a single member (traditionally the husband) of the family is insufficient to support everyone so another member (usually the wife) has to find a job too. A situation like this creates a problem, especially in families where children and seniors are involved, because the traditional setup of the family is disturbed and the roles and power assignation has to be redefined and reassigned. The children and the seniors are most vulnerable because they are dependent on other members of the family and their adjustment rests solely on the providers of the family.

The dreams of a better life for a countless number of immigrants are shattered because they are forced to change their line of career and adjust in odd jobs to support their families. This is not only a personal loss for such individuals, but also a great loss to the Canadian economy and society, as the skills of the immigrants are not being utilized to their maximum capability. In many cases they end up becoming a burden on the Canadian economy seeking social assistance to meet their daily needs. Not only is the economic system affected; the social fabric is also disrupted when dissatisfaction, frustration and lack of trust in the system develops, which also becomes a cause of family breakup and unrest.

Human Endeavour has a deep passion for helping newcomers. It has proposed a combined effort of grass-root community, not-for-profit sector, government and government funded agencies to help immigrants to achieve their social and economic dreams.

Human Endeavour has launched this project in partnership with COSTI Immigrant Service, and project is funded by Trillium Foundation.

For More information, Contact: 905-832-6842 or send an email newhorizon@humanendeavour.org