Papers by SilviaM PorrasT
This document considers the position, plight, and needs of recent Cenral American immigrants to C... more This document considers the position, plight, and needs of recent Cenral American immigrants to Canada. It seeks to answer three questions: What kind of support do they need? What kind of programs can respond to their needs? How can they be helped to integrate into Canadian society? Several facts are uncovered, and conclusions are reached based on anecdotal information. Among the findings are these: Most of these immigrants come from rural areas in their own countries and have limited or no literacy in their native Spanish. They are often very unfamiliar with what basic appliances are in Canada (e.g., stoves). They encounter significant ethnic and racial-based hostility and prejudice from Canadian citizens. Many untrue and largely negative stereotypes about them are widely believed. To create awareness, among instructors, tutors, teachers, supply teachers, social and community workers, doctors, public health nurses, mental health workers, of the reality of non-English speaking marginalized people who have limited literacy skills in their first language. To show the impact of First Language Literacy classes for refugees from Central America with non-existence or low level of literacy skills in their native language.
Vulnerable Refugees, 1998
This document considers the position, plight, and needs of recent Cenral American immigrants to C... more This document considers the position, plight, and needs of recent Cenral American immigrants to Canada. It seeks to answer three questions: What kind of support do they need? What kind of programs can respond to their needs? How can they be helped to integrate into Canadian society? Several facts are uncovered, and conclusions are reached based on anecdotal information. Among the findings are these: Most of these immigrants come from rural areas in their own countries and have limited or no literacy in their native Spanish. They are often very unfamiliar with what basic appliances are in Canada (e.g., stoves). They encounter significant ethnic and racial-based hostility and prejudice from Canadian citizens. Many untrue and largely negative stereotypes about them are widely believed. Recommendations are made for effectively teaching these immigrants to survive and thrive in Canada. Immigrant success stories are chronicled in a number of vivid examples. It is concluded that the acquisition of literacy skills in Spanish is a necessary first step before acquiring similar literacy in English or French. Literacy is viewed as more than just reading and writing, but a necessary tool for problem solving in every-day life in a modern society. Other useful resources are provided. (KFT)
Uploads
Papers by SilviaM PorrasT