Summary of what people told us... |
Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society
October 26, 2016, 11am-12pm
14 adults, 6 male and 8 female (some came later into the session)
Think of an activity you loved to do in your past. What made it so special?- family together (majority agreed with this statement)
- are we asking before marriage or after marriage? Before marriage wanted to see the world, after marriage went nowhere. (most of the women agreed with this)
- started work at 12 and had no time for playing (a few of the older men agreed)
What activities do you do for fun now?
What are the barriers that prevent you for doing these activities?-space to gather large groups
-support for language difference
-scared to go in centres because we don’t speak the language.
- unaware of what a recreation centre is and who is there, what activities are offered
It was explained to me that many of these families have daughters back in Syria or refugee camps but could not bring them with the family to Canada. Once they marry they are considered part of the husbands family and have no claim to join their family in Canada.
October 26, 2016, 11am-12pm
14 adults, 6 male and 8 female (some came later into the session)
Think of an activity you loved to do in your past. What made it so special?- family together (majority agreed with this statement)
- are we asking before marriage or after marriage? Before marriage wanted to see the world, after marriage went nowhere. (most of the women agreed with this)
- started work at 12 and had no time for playing (a few of the older men agreed)
What activities do you do for fun now?
- Men go for coffee, prayers then home
- Women go to ICA language classes then home
- Try to walk every day – most walk in a variety of areas
- Some taking classes at Camosun College
- Watch TV
- Get together and socialize
- Gather family. It is important to gather family with elder parents. The whole family. At least once per month. Would like more.
- Come VIRC for activities
- Walking (all of them walk)
- YMCA/private gym (in past in China)
- Hiking
- Jogging
- Cooking, knitting, sewing classes at ICA
- Reading
- Meditation
- Tai chi
- Learning English
- First aid training
- Are there activities you would like to do now but are not?
- opportunities to share experiences
- opportunities to gather as a community (all very much in agreement)
- group as a whole agreed the housing they are in currently is too small to allow for family gatherings.
- Some adults are only focused on getting the rest of their family to Canada and put all their time into that*
- Would like to have a tour of recreation centres
- -Community Kitchen – group cooking
What are the barriers that prevent you for doing these activities?-space to gather large groups
-support for language difference
-scared to go in centres because we don’t speak the language.
- unaware of what a recreation centre is and who is there, what activities are offered
- Need money, passes to the activities. I’m embarrassed to ask for help.
- Some are sponsored by their children, but may not receive any funds to spend in recreation or other activities. Does the LIFE program apply to seniors who are sponsored by their children and living in their home, but have none of their own income?
- Language – speaking English.
- Not familiar with recreation. It’s a cultural barrier – not used to concept of going to do activities and make friends in that environment.
- I’m scared to go in a recreation centre (intimidated).
- I would appreciate if I could take a tour of the recreation centres.
- My son drives me – I don’t use transit.
It was explained to me that many of these families have daughters back in Syria or refugee camps but could not bring them with the family to Canada. Once they marry they are considered part of the husbands family and have no claim to join their family in Canada.