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We spoke with Valéria Sales from "Abrigo Centro" a support centre for immigrants in Toronto.
By: Sotaque Brasileiro | Sotaque Brasileiro, Number 4, Spring 2004
We spoke with Valéria Sales from "Abrigo Centro" a support centre for immigrants in Toronto.
Sotaque: Why did you leave Brazil for Canada?
Valéria Sales - I had a sister who lived in Canada and she opened the doors for us. I came in 1996 with my husband and our two daughters, they're about three and six years old. I left behind a comfortable home in Brazil to live in a one-bedroom apartment. I came looking for quality of life. I was afraid of owning things in Brazil, but the safety of children was the deciding factor for the move.
Sotaque - What were your biggest challenges?
Valéria – There were many. Since the day I arrived, I had been thinking about doing a booklet for newcomers. And thus came my work. Everything seems to be difficult at first and when one realizes that this is not so, it is very funny. When we first arrived we were living in Bolton and it was total desperation. After four months I decided I had to live in Toronto. Then my life changed completely because I saw so many things, so many possibilities. At that moment I discovered all the information I wanted, and they had been sort of hidden.
Sotaque – Did you think of quitting?
Valéria – Never. Despite all difficulties, lack of support and information, I never thought of quitting. When my daughters went to school, I started my volunteer work. I studied English and volunteered as a speech therapist. Then I started to have my frustrations about speech therapy in Canada. I was disenchanted with the generalized view of this profession here. Then, I went looking for other volunteer work in different places, such as Abrigo Centro.
Sotaque - Could you say that volunteer work has opened doors for you?
Valéria - Absolutely. I worked at the Abrigo Centro almost two years as a volunteer. But I always looked for all other types of work. The program "From zero to six years" that I direct today, began as an invitation from Naly Lima, who became a great friend. She was the facilitator and I volunteered as co-facilitator. This program has completed five years and is currently taught successfully in the Abrigo Centro and in the College Montrose Children's Place.
Sotaque – You have great concerns with family and women. Why is that?
Valéria - When I arrived, I chose to stay home with my children until they had to go to school. I know well how it works. Often, the immigrant comes here and is isolated, especially the women and children. The woman ends up with a series of roles at home and the self-esteem goes down. She cannot work in her area but want to help. So what does she do? Goes to sub-jobs. And that sub-job is one that she never did before. She suffers, and by suffering she is not happy and may wants to return home. That's how the program "First Steps" came about, which is an integration, and reminds people of what they want, and what they can do to improve themselves.
Sotaque - What do you think about the option of under-employment?
Valéria - I usually say that under-employment is positive as long as it never interferes with your goals. I think that to accept under-employment at night to avoid spending the money you saved all your life to bring to Canada, is valid. But, as long as it does not interfere, during the day, with the necessary steps you need to take to go after your goals.
Sotaque - The reality of the immigrant has improved or deteriorated in recent years?
Valéria - Of course, the tendency of every country is not to remain the same way it was before. Obviously, years ago there was more opportunity to find work, but it is also possible now. If, for example, you arrive today and tomorrow you want to work in cleaning, you can do it. I noticed that the profile of the immigrant is what is different. The immigrant of the past came with the objective to save money to return to Brazil. The present ones, who come with the proper papers, have other ambitions.
Sotaque - What kind of help do Brazilians look for at Abrigo Centro?
Valerie – First, in relation to work, we have a partnership with Costi, with co-op programs and out-placement so that the immigrant can gain Canadian experience. Another difficulty is the proper completion of forms. Many get lost in the bureaucracy. We also help in situations like, for example, how to open a bank account. We suggest four or five attendants who speak Portuguese to make life easier for whoever is arriving. The Abrigo also has programs for couples with problems and children with difficulties in adapting. All for free.
Sotaque - Do you believe that the Brazilian community lives in the shadow of the Portuguese community?
Valéria - I feel that the Brazilian community could be more united. In this sense, the Portuguese community is wonderful, doing an impressive job of unity, always honouring their own enterprises.
Sotaque - In general, why does the immigrant return to their country of origin?
Valéria - The people that I have seen returning were those who settled far away and were isolated from information and support. They spend two months furnishing the house, looking for a car to buy, etc.. When the time comes to seek employment they simply send their resumes but don't know anyone. Then what happens? They don't get anything because networking is the key word for this - contact with people, show their faces.
Sotaque -But in practice it is not easy ...
Valéria - When we get here we have to begin again. No one knows who you were, what you had. Everything has to be redone. Many do not understand and do not accept this new beginning. This can be done through volunteer work, for example. But if we come expecting to start where we left off in Brazil, it is very difficult. For example, if you work with computers and find a job as a typist at IBM, grab it! Because you will grow from there.
Sotaque - What is necessary to keep in mind not to give up?
Valéria - Attitude and humility. I think that when one arrives with the idea that he/she will conquer everything alone, it's a bad start. We cannot make it alone, we need support. For example, I find the area of Bloor and Dufferin, Toronto, great for those who are newcomers. There are people who say they will never live there. I answer saying that this is not forever. It will be great for a period of six months to a year! In that area there are several support centres, St. Anthony church, English courses, it's all there. And it all happens from your first housing point.
Sotaque - What would be your message to the Brazilians who start a new life in Canada?
Valéria - Do not forget that we do not live alone. Brazilians need our community and the warmth it brings. Never forget to unite, to give support to those who are arriving or those that are already here. Humility more than ever. And attitude. For me attitude is one of the most beautiful words that exist in life.
ABRIGO CENTRO:
900 Dufferin Street (Dufferin Mall in Suite 104). The center offers support to families and individuals to become emotionally healthy and independent, through a relationship of support and community care.
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