NEST Program Empowers New Canadian Students at New Heights Community Church

With 3,000 to 4,000 new Canadians arriving in Hamilton every year, The Salvation Army New Heights Community Church works to help new students adjust to the Canadian school system, with a curriculum that is both fun and educational.

With a Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Innovation Grant, the Newcomer Students’ Endeavours to Succeed and Thrive (NEST) is a free after school program at The Salvation Army New Heights Community Church. NEST assists new Canadian students in Hamilton aged 6 to 15 who have been in Canada for less than three years. The program is open to everyone regardless of immigration status, so refugee claimants and temporary residents are welcome.

The NEST curriculum includes academic tutoring in English, math, science and English as a Second Language instruction. There is also time for fun social and recreational activities, including STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics), team sports, music and dance.

“Kids can learn or improve their English, gain new friends, receive academic training, build confidence and access recreational activities like piano and guitar lessons and technology skills in coding,” says Aivel Cagas, Community Outreach Coordinator at The Salvation Army New Heights Community Church.

Since launching the program in April 2023, New Heights has established mission partner relationships with Hamilton Public Library, McMaster Children and Youth University, Hamilton-Wentworth Public and Catholic school boards, Wesley Urban Ministries, Immigrants Working Centre, YMCA Immigrants Services, Mohawk College, Redeemer University and McMaster University.

“The majority of the kids are from the Latino community, and some are from Syria and Ukraine. The majority of them are refugee claimants. We provide monthly food assistance once a month to newcomer families and in the summer, we held a Bible camp,” Aivel says.

There are currently 14 students enrolled in the program. High school and university volunteers are giving their time to support program participants in the curriculum. Program participants are regularly referred to other agencies to meet their individual and family needs.

“There are unique needs for newcomer students in Hamilton and there is also a need for an after-school program to address language barriers. Success for me is when I see on students’ faces that they are able to process what I am saying as they become more confident,” Aivel says.

Volunteers are always needed to work with students in the program. Anyone interested in helping new Canadian students find success in their community can contact Aivel at aivel.cagas@salvationarmy.ca.