FROM VOLUNTEERING TO A FULL-TIME JOB

When Riaz Sayani-Mulji began volunteering with refugee youth three years ago, he never dreamed it would be a life-altering experience.

At the time, he was a Grade 12 student at Hillfield Strathallan College (HSC). He loved it so much, he continued volunteering after graduating and during his first two years in university.

Now 19, Riaz is going into his third year in health sciences at McMaster University and has turned his volunteering into a full-time summer job.

He is working with newcomer youth at the Globe Youth Centre.
"You're helping kids with English but you're also forming a personal connection. It's like being a big brother or big sister," Riaz said.

The English Conversation Circle that started Riaz on his new path was founded by Heidy Peragine, Senior School Moderns Chair at HSC, in partnership with Settlement and Integration Services Organization.

The program has brought together more than 60 students over the last three years in a program Peragine describes as a win-win.

"It is youth helping youth in effective ways," said Peragine, adding the students become teachers and friends to refugee youth.

Students visit the Jamesville Community Centre once a week where they help refugee youth with their homework or simply talk while doing beadwork.

Bob Neibert, senior school principal at HSC, said the students have grown enormously from their participation in the SISO program.

"Many now refer to their time with SISO as the most meaningful part of their lives."


Denise Davy
The Hamilton Spectator
(Aug 3, 2010)