The 2005 Annual General Meeting was a huge success with over one hundred in attendance including clients, volunteers, staff, CCVT board members and interested members of the public.
The Annual General Meeting was marked by the voting in of three new members of the Board of Directors, Seema Saadi and Nancy Slamet. Welcome!
The guest speakers for the event were Sarata Kaba, Mohammad Sharif and Ali Miraku who all spoke about their experiences as members of the CCVT community. The following are excepts from Sarata Kaba's presentation.
My name is Sarata Kaba. I am from Guinea, West Africa. I came to Toronto, Canada as a refugee claimant in March 2004. The female Immigration Officer who interviewed me at the border treated me with respect and dignity. That was my very first good impression about Canada.
With all the supports from my counselor at the Women Residence, I learned not to stay home all day, to go to school, learn English, and to not be afraid to talk to people.
In the middle of April 2004, I met my wonderful family doctor who recommended that I contact the Canadian Center of Victims of Torture.
I did what was suggested and joined the CCVT’s incredible support group. The group helped me to overcome my sickness, depression, and hopelessness. Through CCVT, I was able get a very caring, available friend named Mrs. Decorneille Julie who is always there for me.
My two younger kids were able to joined me in Canada in July 2004 after a four year separation. I got advice, support, and counseling from both the Decorneille family and my counselor at CCVT for settlement.
In February 2005, I took an interpreter training at Multilingual Community Interpreter Services and became a certified French and English interpreter.
I am very proud of being a client of CCVT. I would have not gone that far without my counselor’s advice and support. I have grown from a refugee claimant to a protected person. I have been able to improve my situation through education and support, all without paying a dime.
Isn’t that incredible? I think Canada is the land for everybody in need.
Thank you Canada
Thank you CCVT
My special thanks go to Mrs. Thilaga Jeganathan for being my counselor at CCVT.
Thank you to everybody that contributed to my success.
