NPLs, or Newcomer Peer Leaders, have successfully learned and applied evaluation tools to collect feedback. This newfound skill extends beyond the program, with one NPL using it in other employment contexts to offer feedback on structuring questions. They've become adept at conducting interviews, using probing questions to gather valuable information. Recognizing the importance of body language and creating a comfortable space, NPLs have discovered that sharing their experiences encourages participants to open up.
An indicator of increased evaluation practices is the ability to capture participants' perspectives in focus groups. NPLs have improved reporting by revising findings from their own perspective, showcasing growth in skills. They've also learned to extract crucial information from evaluation data, identifying areas for change. Understanding how evaluation tools measure impact, NPLs contribute to adjusting services accordingly.
In workshop sessions, participants praised NPLs for being interactive and engaging, keeping everyone attentive. The leadership provided by newcomer women was particularly motivating and empowering. Participants highlighted the benefits of having NPLs who speak their language and offer interpretation services, emphasizing the power of empathy. NPLs' understanding of participants' backgrounds, challenges, values, and ways of life resonates, especially when they share similar cultural backgrounds, fostering a connection and better guidance in merging cultures.
In the words of those whose lives have been touched by the Newcomer Peer Leaders, their heartfelt testimonials reflect the transformative impact of this empowering program.
I prefer the newcomer facilitator because we share similar experiences and we learn from each other
I prefer the newcomer facilitator because they have a direct perspective of my experience
I prefer the newcomer facilitator because more information is discussed in a relaxed environment giving a person more ways to discuss and learn
When I first came to school, the case workers or facilitators from another organization talks and I hear nothing. I understand nothing. They will give me flyer or invite me to workshops. How can I read a flyer when I have no English? I was asked about my email when I never used a computer before. How is that okay? If I didn’t have the peer leader that is an immigrant and someone who understands my challenges I would still be I situations that I cannot understand. The peer leader had to explain things to me because I had no idea what was going on.
We feel anxious around Canadian born people. I am afraid to talk to them if I have a problem because I am afraid to sound stupid. That is why I come to your workshops, I feel safe. You take us seriously and you don’t talk to me like I’m stupid.
When I come to the YWCA workshops, I feel safe and home. That is why I learn a lot. To see you (the facilitator) a newcomer and doing this job, motivates me a lot!
When a peer teaches, they have an understanding of the culture of my place of origin hence will teach me accordingly with respect to my culture and social beliefs.
It is very good to provide us with a chance to be around fellow women; we get a safe space to share our ideas and complaints and find possible solutions from our peers who might have insight on our problems.
For me the most important thing here is to meet people like me and to discuss relevant things, such as our experiences so we can learn something new from each other, support each other on our path and to stay connected - and on these sessions I meet all of my needs.
… when it comes to memorable meeting I may say each and every meeting is
memorable for me because when we get together with other fellow women the things which we discuss and the topic which we do share and experience, it does stay in my heart because in our culture, and it’s in our own language and especially parenting. How are we going to help our kid to grow up here? It’s really memorable.
These testimonials stand as powerful narratives, illustrating the positive influence of Newcomer Peer Leaders, shaping a collective journey toward growth, resilience, and shared success.