Children of newcomer families often become translators, as their English-speaking skills typically develop faster than their parents’. Now there’s a free program geared just for them. The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) has launched a free day camp for youth between ages 12 and 18. “They serve as the voices for their parents. This is very important in the way that it provides the space to make sure they don’t feel alone,” said Kreisha Hilario, manager for the Centre for Immigrant Research at TIES. She says gathering children together who share the common experience is a main objective of the day camp. “Not everyone can relate, so finding that peer you can relate to is really powerful,” she said. The four-day program features workshops with specific themes, as these young translators often navigate financial, medical or even legal situations with their caregivers. The scenarios can sometimes be uncomfortable or sensitive. For Tuesday’s session, Calgary peace officers explain bylaws, violations and animal control. Ruben Ortega, 11, says he’s been helping his mother since they arrived in Canada from Venezuela two years ago. “(English) is really hard, but when you already know a little bit, it gets easier,” he said. “Sometimes (he struggles), but other days it’s like, ‘Oh, I am more smart than my mom because I can teach her!’” said his mother, Jennifer Abeu-Saleh. Another participant says she helps her mother at doctor’s appointments. “So there’s a cycle when she doesn’t understand; I have to say it in English, and then I have to repeat it in Urdu, so that’s a part where I have to help,” said Areeba Malik, 15. The program is open to newcomers of any status. Organizers hope participants will continue to help their families in healthy and supportive ways. The day camp is free for the youths. Funding is provided by the City of Calgary.
