OUR STORIES
STORIES
Hi, my name is Sammy, I am 14 years old. I joined Sinkunia programs in 2017. I like the way you get welcomed anytime I walk in to the sessions. Everyone shows you love and respect. The first time I went to their program it was so easy to talk to other kids and in no time, I made a friend. I also love the field trips and all the places we have visited especially when we were told we can go for hiking at Elk Island, it was so fun. There are other things I like, performing a dance at different events in the city, swimming and playing indoor soccer at various recreational centers in the city. I think Sinkunia programs are a great place to go because everyone is freely welcomed and respected for who you are.
My name is Kofi. I am sixteen years. I have been attending Sinkunia programs since 2014. There were lots of activities and programs that were delivered to us during the year. These are some of the things that stood out for me. The facilitators and volunteers took their time to deliver interesting topics to us. Most of the stuff they discussed with us are very important to us African youth. They made the sessions very engaging and participatory so I did not sleep at any of the sessions. I love the video content of the sessions and they stick in my head all the time. I also like the food part of the program. In my opinion the sessions wouldn’t be the same if there were no food.
This year we learned a lot about Canada’s past and problems that were going on through the blanket exercise in the Aboriginal culture. We had a wonderful time during the field trips, swimming in the Sylvan Lake and learning how to dispose of garbage. We enjoyed the food, our most favorite food was the pasta – if we can have more of pasta. Above all, we love the programs and looking forward to participate in more of such programs. And hi! Nathan Riwo, Fatima, Mr. DJ, John and Anna Thank you all.
Sinkunia is a warm and vibrant community that encourages growth and connectedness. I joined SCDO as a CSL student and stayed because I loved how passionate the organizers are about serving their community and how excited the children are to see you each week. SCDO has developed a well-rounded program that encourages healthy development. There are activities to help the children release their energy, engage their mind and enhance their skills. Activities are centered around the children and youth’s interests. It has been an honor to work with the children and youth.
Morgan Beller-Program/Youth Facilitator
My name is Mercy, I am fifteen. Initially going to Sinkunia events and programs, I thought it was going to be a boring and stressful thing to do every weekend. The first day however I had so much fun, I made two friends and I was happy. As time went by and participating in different programs, the youth group got bigger and bigger. We all started feeling comfortable with each other. Some kids of my age started being friends and talking and laughing together. All the programs that Sinkunia delivers to the youth have helped me met new friends, be confident about myself. Now I always look forward to what is happening every weekend. We talk about new things and visit new places. I went to my first K-Days through the organization. The program until today is making me grow in so many areas of life and I would like immigrant parents to enroll their kids in it – its free. My mom loves it. I hope other kids in the program will also find it as enjoyable as I do. I want to thank the organizers, all the facilitators, volunteers and the students
“I was new to Canada two months from my country of birth, Kenya, when I was told about Sinkunia camp. I had no friends Sinkunia gave me friends, took away my loneliness. I met other children from different African countries who we did activities together. The first week we made a face mask which was so exciting. There were other activities like singing, dancing and recreation. The staff were good they made sure that we were safe, busy, and gave us a lot of snacks. There was no dull day everyday was exciting. During the last week we went on a tour to the lake. It was enjoyable seeing the lake so close for the first time. We were accompanied by our parents where we took pictures, ate food together, and played on the beach. No one was left out from the young to the old. Sinkunia camp was about friendship, connections and engagement. Am grateful to the people who made it a success. I am looking forward to the next summer camp. - Sinkunia Summer Camp Participant
As a student social worker with seniors and youth home care experience, I was thrilled when the Executive Director of SCDO sought me out and offered me an opportunity to work directly with immigrant youths and children, didn't think I had it in me but was willing to give it a shot! He believed in me every step of the way and that was empowering. Meeting an amazing team of resilient workers at SCDO,were able to reach out to many immigrant families with opportunities they didn't know existed, even with minimal resources.how hard everyone was willing to work, with or without pay, strengthened my faith in unity and most definitely inspired me to give it my all.
I will do this all over again if I can.is a tool I use to assess my input in every organization and the ability to smile after every encounter with SCDO program participants,assurance for me that we were creating a positive impact in each other’s lives.
SCDO programs, I will recommend to every new immigrant hoping to settle successfully in Canada.
Although I had to leave with the hope of getting more experience with the government sector, I look forward to resuming work with SDO in the future.
Patricia Sesay BSW: Program/Youth Facilitator
My name is Mamoud Ballah Kamara, a long-time beneficiary of SCDO Scholarship Fund. I sat for the West African Senior School Certificates Examinations (WASSCE) in 2011/2012 academic year which guaranteed my admission to any University in the country. But the dire financial situation of my parents almost made it impossible for me to further my studies; where I considered myself to be a drop out not until when SCDO intervened in my academic life.
It was a dream to me when I received my first-year university fees from SCDO through the Sinkunia Scholarship Fund in 2013 academic year; thereafter, I started another academic journey at Njala University College to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree with Honors in Environmental Management and Quality Control (EMQC). In June 2018, I graduated with a First-Class Honors Degree in the EMQC of study.
I wish to express my profound gratitude to SCDO for all the support and wish to become the ambassador of SCDO in Sierra Leone to spread the good deeds of the organization.
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!
My name is Regina, I am 12 years old. I have been to Sinkunia programs since 2017. Their programs are a place where you discover your true self and appreciate who you are that you are unique no matter what. Some of the programs have taught me how to take care of myself and help others get through difficult situations. Through the activities, I have learnt more about Canada and its history as well as the resources available for our use. During our homework sessions staffs help us to do our school works and explain difficult topics to us. With Sinkunia programs we learn new things every time we attend. I am happy to see new places that we visit through the program. Our trips to TELUS World of science, Elk Island, Afro-fest are my favorite. This year summer camp was full of fun. I learnt how to use clay to make something and we had a water balloon fight which was hilarious. I am very fortunate to have staff pick us up for every program. In all these programs I have learnt how to connect and make friends in a snap. I am grateful that there has never been any form of bullying that I have experienced in all the programs I have attended. Thank you.