Our Community Bridging program matches newcomers to the community with a volunteer mentor (or "buddy") to build friendships and connections. The Buddy Program makes the transition into schools less stressful, and our Adult Mentoring Program eases the transition into Canadian Culture.
There is also an Employment Mentoring Program, which matches newcomers to mentors in the "business community" so that they can aquire Canadian work experience. Newcomers are matched with the appropriate mentor, which is determined by the newcomers skills.
We are currently looking for more volunteers for our Community Bridging Program. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit our office or send an email to bridging@soics.ca
This program provides students with skills in communication and technology that will serve them well in a world that is becoming ever-more technologically sophisticated. It will also help students become effective citizens through communication and analytical skills that are valued in workplace and academic communities alike.
Our learning centre prepares students for successful and rewarding lives in a rapidly changing world with emphasis on developing critical thinking and team learning abilities.
We provide high-quality and interactive computer skills training for beginners. You will learn how to use common computer applications (MS Office for example), how to email your friends, family, and other contacts, how to browse the internet, and so much more.
For those of you who are interested in taking any of our classes but are struggling to find a daycare for your children: do not worry; we also offer childcare for your children. It's a great atmosphere for you children to learn and play with other children of the same age.
Our devoted teachers help you to become proficient in English. We have classes for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners. Each class has continuous intake, which means that you can sign in anytime.
This Program identifies and addresses racism and racist incidents. The Diversity Promotion Network created the South Okanagan Similkameen Community Diversity Protocol, the Charter of Dignity, Respect and Acceptance (see Links > Community Protocol and Charter\) and the handbook on responding to critical incidents for communities in the South Okanagan Similkameen to celebrate and value diversity.
The handbook is available by clicking Diversity promotion Network, The South Okanagan Similkameen Diversity Protocols for Discrimination, Racism and Disunity.