Community Partner Highlights

Newcomer Centre

In this very special episode of Sounds of CSL, we’d like to share with you some sounds from a long-standing partner of CSL’s, the Newcomer Centre.

CSL Director, David Peacock and CSL Program and Outreach Lead, Helen Zhang visited the Newcomer Centre while the Skyclub for Youth was in action.

Newcomer Centre, previously known as EMCN (and before that as Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers), has been a partner of CSL since we began this work at the University, around 2004. Since that time, hundreds of students in many classes have passed through the halls and programming spaces of Newcomer Centre.

Newcomer Centre’s goals are simple and yet profound - they are a place for Newcomers to Canada and Edmonton: find work, learn English, get settled and join a community. They work with up to 17,000 newcomers each year, from all parts of the world, across five locations in Edmonton. They currently have a staff of 230, together speaking over 50 languages.

In this podcast, hear from Yonatan (Youth Programs Coodinator, Newcomer Centre), Archana (CSL Student), and the Newcomer Centre community including the youth of Skyclub and the choir.

Skillcity Institute

Supreet Kaur (Program Facilitator)

What was it about the CSL program that struck a chord with you and inspired your involvement with CSL?

At Skillcity, we are driven by a mission to empower individuals, promote youth development, and create opportunities for transformative learning and community impact. The CSL program’s focus on bridging academic knowledge with meaningful, real-world applications strongly resonated with our values. Its ability to nurture collaboration between students and community organizations inspired us to get involved, knowing that together, we could foster growth, innovation, and long-lasting positive change.

How does collaborating with CSL students enhance the work in non-profit organizations, and what impact does it have on their learning?

As a nonprofit organization, we at Skillcity can share our experience of how collaborating with CSL students has greatly enhanced our work. Their involvement brings fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and a strong sense of enthusiasm to our initiatives. By working alongside us, they help us address challenges creatively, improve our programs, and expand our impact within the community. Their ability to approach problems with new perspectives and energy strengthens our capacity to serve and aligns seamlessly with our mission to empower individuals, foster youth engagement, and contribute to building vibrant, thriving communities.

From our experience, this collaboration also has a profound impact on the students’ learning. It provides them with valuable opportunities to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, develop critical skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability, and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of community-focused work. This partnership creates a powerful synergy where both Skillcity and the students grow together—enabling us to better serve the community while preparing students to become skilled, socially conscious leaders who can drive innovation, strengthen communities, and champion sustainable development.

What advice or words of wisdom can you impart to the next set of CSL cohorts?

Be open to every opportunity and approach your work with curiosity, purpose, and a commitment to growth. At Skillcity, we believe that meaningful change happens when individuals bring their unique perspectives to collaborative efforts. Use this experience to learn from your community partners, adapt to challenges, and embrace the chance to make a tangible impact. Focus on how your work can empower youth, strengthen communities, and contribute to creating opportunities for personal and collective growth. Remember, the relationships and skills you cultivate during your CSL journey will not only shape your career but also contribute to building stronger, more inclusive, and resilient societies.

Edmonton Down Syndrome Society

Janet Tryhuba (Executive Director)

What was it about the CSL program that struck a chord with you and inspired your involvement with CSL?

I believe that community connection is very valuable during the student's University career. I believe strongly in these opportunities because it helps enrich the student's understanding about the variety of community organizations that are in our community and need a wide variety of supports. This program offers a student perhaps their first exposure to this type of experience and it is a great benefit for both the student and the organization.

How does collaborating with CSL students enhance the work in non-profit organizations, and what impact does it have on their learning?

Working with students who don't know very little about our organization reminds us how much we need to communicate with the general public to help them understand what we deal with on a daily basis. It helps us sharpen our communication skills and how to deliver our message to this audience so that their understanding grows.

What advice or words of wisdom can you impart to the next set of CSL cohorts?

If you can plan how/when you will spend your 20 hours of project time in advance, we will be better able to respond and make a plan to meet with you over those 20 hours or so to help you and the project succeed.

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