(Gov't of Alberta)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

COMMUNITY BUILDERS

Three central Albertans recipients of Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards

Oct 5, 2024 | 11:08 AM

A group of Albertans were recognized this week for the impact they’ve had on their communities, with a few Red Deer-area residents in the mix.

The provincial government is celebrating 35 newcomers with the newly renamed Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards.

“My heartfelt congratulations to each of the award nominees and recipient,” says Muhammad Yaseen, Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

“I applaud your dedication and your passion to bettering the province and supporting your fellow Albertans. Your actions are an inspiration to all, and your efforts to better our communities are recognized and appreciated.”

Among the recipients are:

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Three central Albertans recipients of Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards

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Tabitha Phiri

A professional counsellor and Safe Homes Program Coordinator at the Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association, Tabitha has dedicated 17 years to supporting immigrant families in Canada. She provides crucial, culturally sensitive services to vulnerable immigrant women, focusing on those affected by domestic violence and residency issues.

Halima Ali

As Executive Director of the Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association (CAIWA), Halima has led impactful initiatives supporting immigrant women and families since 2008. Under her visionary leadership, CAIWA has introduced and expanded vital community-based initiatives to support literacy needs and employment programs for newcomers. Her dedication and innovation have greatly enhanced community settlement, integration and well-being.

Alla Mysko-Henke

Alla has been a cornerstone of language learning support in Red Deer since 2016. As a dedicated volunteer coordinator, she has enhanced the lives of adult learners through personalized coaching, curriculum resources, and community-building activities. Her efforts and actions supporting language fluency have significantly empowered newcomers to achieve their professional and personal goals in Alberta.

In a recent interview with her colleagues at Red Deer Public Library, Mysko-Henke spoke of her experience coming to Canada.

“Even though I already spoke English when I came to Canada, it was still challenging because the spoken language is quite different from what I learned,” she explained.

The Adult Literacy Program team at Red Deer Public Library, including Alla Mysko-Henke (second from right). (Supplied)

“The expressions people use in their everyday life, the cultural references, and humorous remarks are not something that is taught in a different country. You have to be here, with Canadian people, and learn from them every day.”

Mysko-Henke, who came from Ukraine in 2005, helps offer the Adult Literacy Program at the library, reaching a wide array of adult learners.

“Together, we bring our differences, strengths, backgrounds, and experiences, and this is what makes this program so unique,” she added.

The Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards were first awarded in 2022, and are given in the categories of Career and Academics Contribution, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Inclusive Workplaces, Newcomer Champion, Senior Spirit, Women’s Newcomer Impact, Small Community Enhancement, Student Inspiration, and Young Leader.

A full list of recipients is available at alberta.ca.

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