CSSPO announces new partnership to support services for immigrant staff

Sophie Demers 

August 17, the Centre de services scolaires des Portages-de-l'Outaouais (CSSPO) announced a new partnership with l'Accompagnement des femmes immigrantes de l'Outaouais (AFIO). The partnership’s goal is to foster the full professional, social, economic and cultural integration of the CSSPO's immigrant staff.

“We are aware that our immigrant staff members face a variety of challenges, which is why we have called on the AFIO to offer them assistance tailored to their needs," said Nadine Peterson, Executive Director of the CSSPO. A large portion of the CSSPO workforce are immigrants, according to Peterson. 

AFIO is a valued service in the region that focuses on promoting the economic and social autonomy and the involvement of immigrant women in the Outaouais. They hope to strengthen immigrant civic participation, break isolation and offer support to immigrant women. Additionally, they promote and defend the rights of immigrant women. The organization values cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue.

The partnership will allow immigrant workers, who make up a large portion of the CSSPO workforce, to have access to a range of activities and resources they previously did not have. CSSPO says they hope that this partnership will aid hired immigrant staff to better adapt to their personal and professional lives. 

"By joining forces with CSSPO, AFIO reiterates its commitment to supporting CSSPO's immigrant staff to contribute fully to the education of our children. This partnership reflects our commitment to diversity, inclusion and mutual respect, as well as our determination to support. These individuals are overcoming barriers to reach their full potential. Together, we are building a future where differences are celebrated, and where each individual can find his or her place and thrive," said Bettyna Bélizaire, Executive Director of AFIO and Municipal councillor for Plateau.

Photo caption: Bettyna Bélizaire, Executive Director of AFIO and municipal councillor for the Plateau district in Aylmer at the official partnership announcement on August 17, 2023. 

Photo credit: Courtesy of Centre de services scolaires des Portages-de-l'Outaouais (CSSPO).