Hamilton is the third largest recipient of immigrants among metropolitan areas in Canada. Gaps in the area of language appropriate and culturally sensitive services for the isolated immigrant population have been identified. Immigrant women are less likely to speak English than immigrant men. Childcare and other responsibilities in the home tend to lessen their opportunities to learn English. Language barriers limit the choices of paid work and inhibit the development of a support network to replace the family they have left.
Children can face increased health risks when they immigrate.
Stress results from difficulty adapting to Canadian society. At school, children may be faced with language difficulties, racism, and drastic changes in the type of education they receive. Studies in Hamilton-Wentworth have identified barriers preventing immigrants from using health and social services. This project seeks to overcome some of these barriers and bridge some of the existing gaps with the Family Language Kits project.