Resource Guide for Algerian Newcomers in Alberta
This guide aims to provide Algerian
newcomers with essential resources to facilitate their settlement process in
Alberta. For any additional questions or further assistance, please do not
hesitate to reach out. May Allah assist you and keep you in His care.
For
Children
1. School Enrollment
1.1.
Calgary
Board of Education (CBE)
·
Language
Options: Offers both English and French Immersion programs from kindergarten to
Grade 12.
·
To enroll
older children in school, create an account on MyCBE (Calgary
Board of Education) and provide the necessary information. You will be
contacted within 15 days to schedule an evaluation, after which the appropriate
school and grade will be assigned.
·
For children
with limited English skills, the CBE provides language assessments to place
students in appropriate classes.
·
Newcomer
Support: CBE has a Welcome Centre that assists immigrant families with school
enrollment and offers translation services.
1.2.
Calgary
Catholic School District (CCSD)
·
Language
Programs: English, French Immersion, and bilingual programs are available.
·
Enrollment
Process: Contact the nearest Catholic school for registration details. Proof of
residency and child's identification will be required.
1.3.
Francophone
Schools
·
School
Board: Conseil scolaire FrancoSud serves
Francophone students in Calgary and southern Alberta.
·
Eligibility:
Open to children who meet the criteria for Francophone education under Section
23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
·
How to
Register: Visit the FrancoSud website or contact
the nearest Francophone school for enrollment guidelines.
1.4.
Islamic
Schools in Calgary
·
Almadina Language
Charter Academy: A public charter school focused on integrating the Alberta
curriculum with Arabic language studies. Open to all students. Visit Almadina
·
Calgary
Islamic School: Provides a full curriculum from kindergarten to Grade 12 with a
focus on Islamic values, teachings, and Arabic language. It includes two
campuses:
o
Akram Jomaa
Campus: Link to Akram Jomaa Campus
o
Omar Bin
Al-Khattab Campus: Link to Omar Bin Al-Khattab Campus
·
Amal School:
A private Islamic school offering education from elementary to high school with
a focus on Islamic values. Visit Amal
School
·
Green Dome
Academy: A community-based Islamic school focusing on faith-based education and
Alberta curriculum integration. Visit Green
Dome Academy
1.5.
Additional
Resources for School Enrollment
·
Calgary
Immigrant Educational Society (CIES): Offers support to immigrant families
regarding school registration, language assessment, and understanding the
Alberta education system. Visit CIES
·
Alberta Education: Provides detailed
information on different school boards, curriculums, and supports for students
with special needs. https://www.alberta.ca/education.aspx
2.
Support
for Younger Children
o
Made By Mumma: This organization
provides resources, support, and community connections for families with
younger children. They offer various programs and activities tailored to meet
the needs of young kids, ensuring they have a nurturing and engaging environment.
For more information, visit Made By Mumma.
3.
Child
Benefits
o
To apply for child benefits, you
must submit an application. Obtain a referral letter from a social worker
through francophone associations such as PIA Calgary or CANAF Calgary to be used as income proof before you get your
tax assessment notice. Benefits typically commence three months after your
settlement.
4.
Alberta
Child Health Benefit
o
Low-income families can apply for
this program to receive eyeglasses, prescription drugs, and dental care for
their children. For more information and application details, visit Alberta Child Health
Benefit.
For Employment
- English
Language Learning
- Free English courses are available
through Immigrant Services Calgary. Register for the CLARC
English test here. Referrals to suitable
schools will be made after testing, and the process takes about four
months. Courses are available for both you and your spouse.
- Employment Assistance
- While CANAF can assist with creating
Canadian-style resumes and cover letters, organizations such as Manpower and Prospect Human Services are more active in the job
market and can help you find job opportunities.
- For additional support,
consider contacting Alberta Works for income support while you
seek employment.
For Family Needs
- Food
Assistance
- You can obtain food hampers from the Calgary Food Bank and the Muslim Food Bank.
- Household Items
- Apply for vouchers from WINS to receive free household
items such as kitchen supplies, clothes, mattresses, tables, and sofas.
- Driving License
- Your international driving license is
valid for 90 days. During this period, prepare to pass the Class 7
driving test and practice for the Class 5 test. CANAF Calgary
- offers free translation services for your
Algerian driving license.
- Housing
- Apply to Calgary Housing as soon as possible to be
placed on the waiting list, which can take several years. Create an
account and submit the required documents.
For Persons with Disabilities
- Support
and Services
- Ups and Downs Calgary: Offers support and resources
for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Visit Ups and Downs Calgary for more information.
- Canadian Down Syndrome Society: Provides advocacy,
education, and support for individuals with Down syndrome. More details
can be found at Canadian Down
Syndrome Society.
- Disability Benefits and Support
Programs
- Apply for disability benefits
and support programs through the Government of Alberta to receive
financial aid, medical benefits, and other support services.
- Community
Living Alternatives
- Organizations such as Calgary SCOPE Society and Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of
Calgary (DDRC) offer various programs and services to
support individuals with disabilities in achieving independence and
integrating into the community.
Additional Resources
- Calgary
Fair Entry Program
- The Calgary Fair Entry Program provides
subsidized services to low-income residents, including transit passes and
recreation programs.
- Immigrant Services Calgary
- Offers a wide range of services for
newcomers, including settlement support, language assessment, and
employment services. Visit Immigrant Services Calgary for more information.
- Centre for Newcomers
- Provides settlement and integration
services, including employment support, language training, and community
connections. Learn more at Centre for Newcomers.
- Mosaic Refugee Health Clinic
- Offers comprehensive health care services
to refugees and immigrant populations. Visit Mosaic Refugee Health Clinic
for more details.
- Ethnocultural Council of
Calgary (ECCC)
- Supports diverse ethnocultural
communities through capacity building, advocacy, and community
development. More information can be found at ECCC.