“When I first started teaching here, most of my students were from Canada. Now, I teach kids from all over the world, places like India, and China, Africa and Europe,” explains Nicole Nzeba, a French teacher at Ronald-Marion School in Pickering.
Durham Region has changed a lot over the years, thanks to the many immigrants who have made it their home. With new faces and cultures coming from all over the world, the region has become more vibrant and diverse.
Durham’s immigrant community is growing rapidly and re-shaping the region’s future. In 2021, immigrants made up about 28 per cent of Durham’s population, that’s 192,600 people. This is a big jump from 24 per cent in 2016 and just 19 per cent back in 2001.
Recent newcomers, those who arrived between 2016 and 2021, represent over 10 per cent of the total immigrant population. Durham’s immigrant growth is outpacing the rest of Ontario. While the percentage of immigrants in Ontario rose by 1.5 per cent over the past decade, Durham’s increased by 6.1 per cent. These numbers show just how much immigrants are contributing to the region’s development.
One of the places where this change is most visible is in the schools. Nzeba has been living in Canada for over 20 years. In her time as a teacher, she has seen how much the school has changed.
“It’s amazing to see how much the school has grown and changed because of all the different cultures that are now a part of it.”
For Nzeba, teaching multicultural students is an exciting challenge. She loves being able to teach them not just French, but also how to understand and appreciate each other’s differences.
“It’s important to show the kids that no matter where they come from, they are all part of this school and this community,” she says. “We teach them how to respect each other’s cultures and how to learn from them.”
Nzeba’s school, like many others in Durham, is adapting to meet the needs of its multicultural students. Teachers are trained to support students who may need help with language or adjusting to life in Canada. These changes help make students feel welcomed and understood, giving them the best chance to succeed.
In addition to schools, many immigrants are also giving back to the community through volunteer work. They understand the importance of helping others, especially those who are new to Canada. Volunteering helps them get involved in their new home and also gives them a chance to make a difference.
Kevin Patel, an immigrant who moved to Durham from South Africa, is a prime example of this. Patel’s journey to Canada wasn’t easy, he faced numerous obstacles before finally settling in the region.
“When I first arrived, it was overwhelming. I didn’t know anyone, and finding a job was hard. I remember spending weeks just trying to figure out where I could live, what services I could access. It was a struggle, but I was determined,” he shares.
Patel found support in a local refugee assistance program that helped him find housing and a job.
“I don’t know where I’d be without the Refugee Support Centre,” he says, recalling how the program provided him with the guidance he needed to navigate the early days of his settlement.
The Refugee Support Centre is a place that helps refugees and people facing challenges because of their immigration status.They welcome anyone who needs advice, support or guidance with these issues. Their main services include Immigration Help and Refugee Protection and Settlement and Integration Support.
“They helped me understand how to apply for a job, what my rights were, and how to build a new life here,” said Patel.
With the help of the centre, Patel not only secured employment but also built a supportive relationships that made him feel less isolated from the rest.
Today, Patel is thriving in Durham. He’s employed, volunteering in the community church and often shares his experiences with newcomers, hoping to offer the same guidance he received when he first arrived.
“Now, I help people who were in my shoes. It’s my way of giving back, and it feels good to help someone find the same hope I found,” Patel says.
The journey of immigrants like Kevin Patel, and the efforts of educators like Nicole Nzeba, are a testament of the strength of Durham’s multicultural community. These stories are not just about the challenges faced by immigrants, they also reflect the courage and determination of those who choose to call Durham home.