July 3 – August 26

This eight-week online course will help learners with a writing level of CLB 5 to improve their writing skills.

Each week you will work 8 to 10 hours and activities will include quizzes and hands-on writing practice. Your instructor will provide detailed feedback on your writing practice. At the end of the 8 weeks those who complete the course successfully will be assessed for improvement in writing.

What you need:

• Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in writing
• Regular access to the internet
• Computer skills, including using the internet and typing in English
•  8 – 10 hours every week for 8 weeks

Amanda Marshall
amarshall@isisns.ca

June 15, 9am-2pm
St. Andrew’s Community Centre

On Friday, June 15, join us for the third annual immigrant Volunteer Fair! This event provides immigrants like you the opportunity to learn about volunteerism in Canada and shows you how to get involved in your community. You will be able to connect with service providers from several local organizations offering volunteer opportunities. It’s also an opportunity to practice your language skills and to create connections in your community. There will be several workshops during the fair, along with refreshments. This event hosted by ISIS in partnership with Halifax Regional Municipality Community Relations and Cultural Affairs.

Learn more about how to volunteer in Halifax Regional Municipality! Admission is free and there is parking available.

Check out last year’s Volunteer Fair.

Denise Scott
(902)406-8851
dscott@isisns.ca

Thank you Radhika and San Man for helping others in the community, and we wish the best of luck to the new students!

See below for more photos!

If you are interested in learning how to sew and would like to put your name on the waiting list for the next session, please contact Denise Scott at dscott@isisns.ca.

Saturday, May 19
11:30 – 2pm
Corner of Smart St. & Glen Forest Dr.

On May 19^th we will begin building our first community garden – Glen Garden.

This project is made possible through the generous support of some great community leaders:

• Home Harvest Kitchen Gardens – The edible landscaping company
• Kynock Resources
• Councillor Russell Walker –District 15 – Clayton Park & Fairview
• Atlantic Superstore – 2 locations – Joseph Howe Superstore & Bayers Lake Superstore
• Killam Properties
• HRM Community Recreation Services

A big thank you goes out to all!

May 2012 – Stay tuned!

The Immigrant Women Entrepreneurship Program provides an opportunity for immigrant women in Nova Scotia to develop new or enhance current skills to become entrepreneurs.

An orientation session to learn more and register will take place in May 2012 –  date to be announced soon!

Duration: 18 weeks  

Requirements: CLBA Level 6 or higher

A certificate of achievement will be provided to the participants who complete the program.

The participants will establish a trial company which will be used to develop practical business skills.

Step 1 –Business Plan Development

• Idea generation
• Market Research & Strategy
• Forming the company (business name, registration, etc.)
• Building the Organization
• Develop the Plan
• Approve the Plan

Step 2 – Operating the Business

• Marketing & Sales
• Production
• Finance & Human Resources
• Information Technology Services
• Administration (Filing, Bookkeeping, etc.)
• Taxation

To ensure we can provide events in the future:

• You must register for all events you wish to attend. Those who show up for an event but are not registered will not be permitted to attend the event.
• If you register but cannot attend, please let us know 2 hours before the event, and 3 days before the time of the workshop.
• If you register but do not pay on time (if the event is not free), you may be charged an additional late payment fee.
• Events will start on time,  please arrive ten minutes early, you may not be able to access the event once it has started.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact:

business@isisns.ca

POSTPONED Starting May 15, 2012
New dates coming soon

This four part workshop series will provide you with the information and skills you need to start your business in Nova Scotia. The workshops run for 12 weeks. Upon completion you will receive a certificate to use in your business portfolio or resume.

Workshops are Tuesday evening from 6:00 – 9:00pm.

Cost:  $120.00 for all workshops

Introduction to Business in Nova Scotia

Learn the requirements to open a business

This session will cover:

• Business Structures
• Business Registration
• Licenses and Permits
• Financing for Small Business

Evaluating Your Business Idea

Is there is a market for your business idea?

These (2) sessions will cover:

• Entrepreneurship
• Idea Assessment
• Economic and Business Trends
• Business Culture in Nova Scotia
• Market Research

Business Knowledge by Community Professionals

Learn the rules and regulations for starting a business in Nova Scotia

In these (5) sessions, you will learn about:

• Business Legal Structures (forms)
• Nova Scotia Taxes for Small Business
• Credit Score and Financing for Small Business
• The Nova Scotia Economy
• Employment and Labor Laws in Nova Scotia

Business Plan Development

Write your business plan in 5 weeks in these step-by-step workshops

Your Business Development Trainer will assist you through each stage of the business plan.

These (5) workshops will include:

• Description of your proposed business
• Market analysis (Customers & competitors)
• Business operations and financial analysis (Start-up costs)

business@isisns.ca

You can also pay with Paypal:

Thursday, May 31
6:00 – 7:00pm

Please join us for an information session to learn more about business programs delivered at CEED:

• Self Employment Benefits Program
  A 40 week program for start-up entrepreneurs with financial support through employment insurance, business management skills training and individual counselling sessions.
• Canadian Youth Business Foundation
  A program for  young entrepreneurs age 18-34 offering up to $15,000 plus an optional additional $30,000 from Business Development Bank of Canada to start or purchase a small business or a vehicle for business use.
• Seed Capital Program
  A program for entrepreneurs age 18 and older offering up to $20,000 to start a small business.
  Young entrepreneurs age 18-34 may also utilize the funds as a business growth loan.

We will also provide information about CEED’s other programs:

• Entrepreneurship Education initiatives
• Business Management Skills training opportunities
• Youth Employability Program
• Second Chance Program for young people who have been in conflict with the law

business@isisns.ca

The FUSION Halifax Immigration & Diversity Action Team, in partnership with ISIS, is launching a diversity photo contest called “Express Yourself – Do It, Do” to showcase stories of diversity in Halifax. They are also holding a free Photography Information Session to help inspire these stories.

Contest Opens April 30 and Closes June 1!

Halifax is a diverse and vibrant city – show us why you think so too! What does diversity in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) looks like through your eyes?

First prize is $500! Send your entry to: diversityphotocontest@fusionhalifax.ca

Get inspired by the free Let’s Talk Photography Info Session, and find out more about the contest rules and prizes:

Let’s Talk Photography Info Session
Wednesday, May 16, 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Keshen Goodman Library, 330 Lacewood Drive
Guest Speaker: Geoffrey Creighton, Photographer and owner of Smiling Goat Organic Espresso Bar
Facilitator & Workshop Designer: Nicole Landry

The workshops will feature some great photography tips and techniques to spark your creativity, and you will hear from local professional photographers working in their respective fields. You’re sure to walk away with a plan for your next great image!  You can bring along your digital and/or phone cameras. See you there!

Full contest details are available at: www.fusionhalifax.ca/en/expressyourself 

Dr. Shahin says English for Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals opened up a new world for him in terms of improving his language, especially in communicating with patients, making professional contacts, networking and learning about getting a job in his field. After taking part in the program, he had more confidence speaking to people about working and living in Nova Scotia.

“The English for Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals program helped me to become familiar with the health system—the hidden part of the health system, for example how important patient-centered care is here. I was a patient-centered physician in my own country, but here it is the main part of the health system. Now I can see it and feel it. The patient is really part of the healthcare team.”

Dr. Shahin also took part in the Mentorship Program at ISIS. He was paired with a retired orthopedic surgeon, who encouraged him to continue working towards his licensure. Currently, he is working as a clinical associate in orthopedics at the Halifax Infirmary.

Dr. Shahin plans to access the online Workplace Writing courses at ISIS and wishes there were a second part to English for Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals as he would gladly continue this very practical hands-on course.