Volunteer of the Month - August 2017

Yara joined ISC’s Volunteer Program in June 2016 and from the start she has been very active in the program.  As an ISC volunteer, she completed various interpretation and translation assignments from Arabic into English and vice versa, and also assisted with the delivery of computer classes for Syrian refugees. So far she contributed over 75 volunteer hours to several different ISC programs. Here is her story.

“My name is Yara Alhamo. I'm from Syria, and I have a degree in Health Science with a specialization in nutrition. I have been in Canada for almost two years now. Back in Syria, I had the opportunity to work with the Red Crescent (connected to the Red Cross). I was the nutritionist in the Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) Clinic.  At CMAM, I treated children suffering from acute malnutrition.  I felt vulnerable working in a war zone, but so many children needed help, and this helped me get through. 

After a year and a half of working there, I got married and moved to Canada. Since I was a little girl, I have always dreamed of coming to Canada and the opportunities I could find there. I started studying English when I got to Calgary, but I also wanted to help people build their lives in Canada, and to share my experiences with them.  I went to Immigrant Services Calgary where I started volunteering as an Arabic interpreter/translator.  Through volunteering I learned more about Canada and the resources available in Calgary.  I learned how to apply for a loan.  I gained knowledge about the health care system.  I also got information about different professions and trades, which has inspired me to go back to school.  In the fall, I will be enrolled in a Clinical Management Program at college.

I am so thankful to be part of the Calgary community and I’m proud to be part of the ISC team. Hopefully, I will continue on this path and achieve everything I have ever wanted.”

We couldn’t be happier to have you in our team, Yara, and we wish you the very best in all your endeavours. Congratulations!