"Not Just a Show, but a Supportive Community: U Multicultural's Impactful Ukrainian Program in Manitoba"
Amidst the massive influx of Ukrainian refugees into the province of Manitoba, more than 25,000 individuals sought a new home here to escape the harsh realities of their homeland. The transition for many of these Ukrainian immigrants was not only a geographic move but also a challenging shift into unfamiliar cultural and societal landscapes.
To assist the Ukrainian newcomers in adapting to their new lives, U Multicultural introduced the first Ukrainian-language show in Canada, titled "Не Диванні Експерти" (Not Couch Experts). The show delves into the most relevant topics related to immigration and adaptation in Canada, addressing issues such as buying a home, navigating the banking and healthcare systems, finding employment, and more.
From October to December, the program produced 10 episodes, each providing valuable insights and practical advice on the challenges faced by Ukrainian immigrants in Manitoba. Covering a range of topics, the show aimed to empower newcomers with information crucial for their successful integration into Canadian society.
What started as an informational project quickly evolved into a community hub for Ukrainian immigrants. Over 100 viewers visited the studio during the project's initial stages. "Not Couch Experts" became more than just a source of information; it became a space for support, networking, and mutual understanding among the Ukrainian community in Manitoba.
The initial goal of empowering newcomers with information expanded into creating a space where Ukrainians could meet, exchange advice, and simply connect. The show not only disseminated essential information but also became a catalyst for building a sense of belonging and solidarity within the Ukrainian community.
A heartfelt testimonial from a viewer, Victoriia Vasuk, captures the essence of the impact: "Girls, I am immensely grateful to you for your clear stance in life, for promoting everything Ukrainian in Canada. Thank you for finding the strength to create such a cool project. I wish you not just development but to enter the history of Manitoba and Canada as our pioneers."
"Thanks to you, I am equipped with all the necessary information. I spent many days searching for the required details online, but on your show, I got all the necessary knowledge in just one hour. A huge plus is that I can directly ask the expert any questions that I'm interested in during the videotaping. Your program has been a game-changer for me, providing not only valuable information but also a direct connection to experts, making the whole learning process efficient and engaging.", - says another viewer, Tetiana Dvoryanova.
Tetiana Zozuliak's wealth of experience in the insurance industry became a beacon for those navigating the complexities of a new life in Manitoba. Her participation in the show aimed to shed light on the intricacies of life insurance, providing newcomers with essential information to ease their adaptation process.
Reflecting on her journey, Tetiana shared, "I have 10 years of experience in insurance in Manitoba and hope that our discussion will shed some light on this area. I am very glad to be able to give the information that I have collected for a long time during several decades so that it is easier for newcomers to adapt."
Her commitment to sharing her knowledge serves as a testament to the collaborative and supportive nature of "Not Couch Experts." Tetiana acknowledged the significance of offering guidance to newcomers, recognizing that her contributions could make a meaningful impact on their adaptation journey.
Tetiana's perspective took a reflective turn as she remarked, "It is very interesting to see how life goes in circles. 15 years ago, I was one of many looking for answers trying to adapt to my new homeland, and now I am the 'Not a Couch Expert'.
U Multicultural's initiative, "Not Couch Experts," stands as a shining example of how media can transcend its traditional role, becoming a source of support, information, and community for newcomers facing the challenges of relocation. This project not only addresses practical concerns but also fosters a sense of unity and pride within the Ukrainian community in Manitoba.
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A propos l’IJL
LJI Impact is the section of commediaportal.ca where the journalists and their organizations participating in CACTUS' Local Journalism Initiative can share their greatest successes.
Through the written stories, photos and videos you see in the LJI Impact section, you'll be able to read first hand accounts about how the presence of a community journalist is making a difference in communities across Canada through the Local Journalism Initiative and the Community Media Portal.
The Community Media Portal is a gateway to the audio-visual media created by community media centres across Canada. These include traditional community TV and radio stations, as well as online and new media production centres.
Community media are not-for-profit production hubs owned and operated by the communities they serve, established both to provide local content and reflection for their communities, as well as media training and access for ordinary citizens to the latest tools of media production, whether traditional TV and radio, social and online media, virtual reality, augmented reality or video games.
The Community Media Portal has been funded by the Local Journalism Initiative (the LJI) of the Department of Canadian Heritage, and administered by the Canadian Association of Community Television Users and Stations (CACTUS) in association with the Fédération des télévisions communautaires autonomes du Québec (the Fédération). Under the LJI, over 100 journalists have been placed in underserved communities and asked to produce civic content that underpins Canadian democratic life.
