New Canadians welcomed to school

Adjusting to life in a new country is challenging, especially if you’re a high school student. That’s where Newcomer Orientation Week, or NOW, comes in.

Hamilton high schools are hosting a program to welcome new students from around the world. Today at Sir John A Macdonald, recent immigrants showed newcomers the ropes and welcomed them to Canada. The program is aimed at helping new students find their way around, understand the Canadian school system, and make new friends.

Gezime Hasani came to Canada five years ago and now she’s a peer leader for other students.

“When I first came here I couldn’t speak any english, I didn’t have any friends but as soon as I joined in the newcomer centre it was really good. I made a lot of friends and they made me feel very welcome, which made me happy”

NOW and its sister program for middle schools help over 19,000 new students across Ontario.