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I was trained in Mt. Carmel International Training Centre in Haifa, Israel for Community Development. I was the Coordinator for Intercede, Coordinator for Silayan Community Centre, Outreach Worker for Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Social Ministry, and at present, I am the Chairperson for St. James Town Safety Committee and St. James Town Festival Committee. In 2003, I was elected by the NDP riding to run for Member of Parliament.

When I first saw St. James Town, my inner self told me that “This is the place I can devote my time for community work.” There are 18 buildings in St. James Town, with an estimated population of 25, 000 residents. This is a place that could be called the “Settlers’ Paradise”. New immigrants and refugees tend to land in this square. There is no competition for non-government agencies in giving programs for the community. The need is great. Help is needed here and there. Unity is the key for the success of the inhabitants.

Although St. James Town has many hidden talents for community development work, few will come forward to be involved as volunteers, as the priority in their lives is survival; it takes five years to be established as new immigrant in Canada.

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