Celebrating Asian Heritage Month, the Saint John Newcomers Centre highlights the invaluable contributions of Asian community partners, businesses, organizations, and dedicated volunteers who enrich the local tapestry. This initiative spotlights the inspiring stories, achievements, cultural heritage, and profound social impact of Asian individuals in Greater Saint John.
Shamim Nahid, a real estate professional and certified interior designer, moved from Toronto to Saint John, New Brunswick, in 2022. Despite being new to the area, she quickly immersed herself in the local community, re-establishing her career and volunteering at the Saint John Newcomers Centre. Her efforts include mentoring newcomers, offering sessions on downsizing and home staging, and raising cultural awareness. Shamim played a pivotal role in representing Bangladesh at cultural events and incorporating the Bangladeshi Community of Saint John Inc. Her dedication to community service and cultural exchange has been recognized through achievements like displaying the Bangladeshi flag on important dates.
As an active volunteer at the Saint John Newcomers Centre, can you describe the various roles and responsibilities you take on? What does a typical day or week look like for you?
As an active volunteer at the Saint John Newcomers Centre, my roles and responsibilities are diverse and fulfilling. A typical week involves a variety of activities aimed at supporting newcomers and fostering community integration.
Mentoring and Guidance: I provide one-on-one mentoring sessions for newcomers, helping them navigate their new environment. This includes offering advice on settling in Saint John, understanding local services, and accessing community resources. I also guide them through the process of finding housing, whether they are looking to rent or purchase a home.
Workshops and Educational Sessions: I conduct workshops and educational sessions on various topics. One of the key sessions I offer is on downsizing for seniors, where I teach them how to make their downsizing process smoother and how to stage their homes to attract potential buyers. These sessions are designed to empower seniors and make their transitions easier.
Community Events and Cultural Exchange: I actively participate in organizing and representing at community events. For example, I played a significant role in the International Culture Fest, where I represented Bangladesh. These events are crucial for promoting cultural exchange and bringing different communities together.
Support for Local Businesses: Supporting local businesses, especially those run by newcomers, is another key responsibility. I help new entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting a business in a new country, providing them with advice and connecting them with necessary resources. This support is vital for their success and integration into the local economy.
Volunteering and Collaboration: I volunteer regularly at the Newcomers Centre, assisting with various programs and initiatives. This includes collaborating with other organizations to create a supportive network for newcomers. By working together, we can offer more comprehensive support and foster a sense of community.
Having witnessed firsthand the challenges newcomers face, what was the driving force that motivated you to get involved and lend your support? Was there a particular experience that resonated deeply?
Having witnessed firsthand the challenges newcomers face, the driving force that motivated me to get involved and lend my support was a profound empathy for their struggles and a desire to make a tangible difference in their lives. Moving to a new place, especially a new country, can be incredibly daunting. The challenges range from language barriers and cultural differences to finding suitable housing and employment. My own experience of moving to Saint John without knowing a single person resonated deeply with me. I understood the feelings of isolation and uncertainty that can accompany such a transition.
A particular experience that resonated deeply and solidified my commitment to supporting newcomers was my interaction with a newly arrived family from Bangladesh. They were overwhelmed by the complexities of settling in a new country and were struggling to find a sense of belonging. I saw their children facing difficulties at school due to language barriers and their parents grappling with the job market. This family’s plight reminded me of my own initial challenges and reinforced my belief that no one should have to navigate these obstacles alone.
I started by helping them with practical aspects, such as finding suitable housing and enrolling their children in school. Seeing the relief and gratitude on their faces when they realized they had someone to rely on was incredibly fulfilling. This experience highlighted the importance of community support and motivated me to expand my efforts through volunteering at the Saint John Newcomers Centre.
Additionally, my background in real estate and interior design allowed me to offer specialized support, such as staging homes for newcomers to maximize their property value and advising them on how to create a comfortable living space in their new environment. The positive feedback and the visible improvement in the newcomers’ lives reaffirmed my commitment to this cause.
Ultimately, the driving force behind my involvement is the belief that everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed and feel at home, regardless of where they come from. By lending my support, I hope to ease the transition for newcomers and help them build a strong foundation in their new community.
Bangladesh has such a vibrant and rich cultural heritage. What aspects fill you with the greatest sense of pride when celebrating your Asian roots?
Bangladesh’s vibrant cultural tapestry, steeped in art, literature, festivals, cuisine, handicrafts, and music, fills me with immense pride as I celebrate my Asian roots. From the timeless literary works of Rabindranath Tagore to the colorful festivities of Pohela Boishakh and Durga Puja, each facet of our culture resonates with our history, traditions, and resilience. Our delectable cuisine, adorned with dishes like biryani and hilsa fish curry, reflects our agricultural richness and culinary heritage, while our exquisite handicrafts and textiles showcase our artisans’ skill and creativity. Traditional music and dance forms like Baul songs and classical dances embody our cultural identity and social values. Sharing these cultural treasures at events not only fosters community unity but also spreads appreciation for our rich heritage, a privilege I hold dear.
Within the local community, how do you find opportunities to showcase and share the traditions, customs, and values stemming from your Bangladeshi background?
Within the local community, I actively seek out opportunities to showcase and share the traditions, customs, and values stemming from my Bangladeshi background. One avenue is through participation in cultural events organized by the Saint John Newcomers Centre and other community organizations. Whether it’s performing traditional music and dance, preparing authentic Bangladeshi cuisine for cultural festivals, or displaying handicrafts and textiles at multicultural fairs, these events provide a platform to celebrate and educate others about our heritage. Additionally, I collaborate with local schools, libraries, and community centers to conduct workshops, presentations, and storytelling sessions that highlight Bangladeshi culture. By engaging in these activities, I not only promote cross-cultural understanding but also instill a sense of pride in my fellow community members about the richness of our cultural tapestry.
Holidays and festivals often serve as cherished opportunities to experience a culture. Can you highlight some of your favorite Bangladeshi celebrations that you look forward to observing each year?
In 2024, February 21st marked a significant milestone as International Mother Language Day, honoring the Bengali Language Movement. On this historic day, we proudly placed Bengali books in the esteemed Saint John Central Library, celebrating our language and literature with the community.
During the same month, we had the privilege of representing Bangladesh in cultural festivities at the Rothesay Town Hall. This provided a wonderful opportunity to share our rich heritage with the broader community, fostering understanding and appreciation for Bangladeshi culture.
Furthermore, on March 26th, our Bangladeshi flag soared high above Saint John City Hall, symbolizing unity and progress for our community. These events not only celebrate our cultural heritage but also showcase our contributions and integration within the broader Saint John community. They serve as reminders of our collective journey and the importance of embracing diversity and inclusivity.
Volunteering can be incredibly rewarding but also demanding work. Can you share one or two of the most fulfilling moments you’ve experienced through your efforts at the Newcomers Centre?
Volunteering at the Newcomers Centre has been incredibly rewarding, with numerous fulfilling moments that stand out. One particularly memorable experience was assisting a newly arrived family from Bangladesh in not only settling into Saint John but also in establishing their small business in the local community. From guiding them through the process of setting up their business to connecting them with potential customers and networking opportunities, witnessing their entrepreneurial spirit thrive was immensely fulfilling. Additionally, organizing a cultural exchange event at the Centre, where members from diverse cultural backgrounds came together to share their traditions and stories, provided another deeply fulfilling moment. Seeing the connections formed and friendships forged among attendees as they celebrated diversity and learned from one another underscored the importance of fostering cross-cultural understanding and unity within our community. These experiences reaffirmed the transformative power of volunteerism in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for newcomers and established residents alike.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for continuing to support the Saint John Newcomers Centre and the local Asian community?
Looking ahead, my vision for supporting the Saint John Newcomers Centre and the local Asian community, alongside other cultural groups, is rooted in fostering inclusion, empowerment, and vibrant cultural exchange. One key aspect of my plan is to establish mentorship programs that pair newcomers with seasoned community members. Through guidance and support, newcomers can navigate challenges and seize opportunities more effectively. Additionally, I aim to curate collaborative events that celebrate the rich diversity of Asian cultures and other cultural backgrounds. By promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, we can create a warm, welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to flourish. Together, we can build a stronger, more unified community where diversity is celebrated and embraced.
