Shanzida Kabir

Everyone wants to be successful in both their personal and professional lives. In order to be successful, one should be active in my life. I just can’t sit on the sidelines and expect everything to fall in place. Before start my success story, I would like to introduce myself first. My name is Shanzida Kabir. I came from Bangladesh in September 2010 under skill migration. I previously completed my High School in 1995 from Holy Cross College, Dhaka, Bangladesh. I have a Bachelor of Social Science, Master of Social Sciences , Public Administration from University of Dhaka last I did my PGDPM (Post–Graduation Diploma in Personnel Management) also in Bangladesh. I did an Apprenticeship Program with Settlement Assistance & Family Support Services (SAFSS) I also completed Child Development Practitioner, School of Early Childhood Education at Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology. I highly appreciate both of my Managers Mrs. Indira Basu and Mrs. Manpreet Sodhi as well as the supervisors and other CNC Staff who supported me during my apprentice training and placement.  I am now happily married and have a 10 year old son. I received my Canadian Citizenship in December 2015.

I strive to be a strong independent woman who is highly respected. I am open-minded and curious too. In Bangladesh, I was working as a Senior Manager, Human Resources and Compliance Department for 11 years.

 When I came to Canada, the scenario was different and I was a little upset because I didn’t have anyone who could guide me on the right path. Until I heard about the SAFSS and the LINC program and immediately joined.

First, I went for my assessment in the YMCA they referred me to the SAFSS, LINC Program at the Kingston Centre. I started my classes with my Instructor Mrs. Tatiana Dociu in September 2013 until July 2014. In this connection, I would like to mention the quote from Olivia, Cuba that I use as my guideline, “It is a great way to improve the language, to meet other people and know about Canadian society” Olivia, Cuba. This course has helped me a lot because I can now express myself a lot better.

During my time at SAFSS I was taught reading, writing, listening and speaking  English in the workplace, English and Canadian culture, exploring community resources and Canadian job market as well as workplace culture. Through SAFSS, I’ve learned a lot about Canadian culture, multiculturalism, diversity and that most important thing is having confidence in expressing myself, and having positive interactions and connections with the people I meet. I started Volunteering at a child care centre.  Once I completed my volunteer hours SAFSS management gave me opportunity to work in a supply position. In 2016, I got an opportunity for a one-year maternity position in the LINC Child Care Centre. After I finished my one-year maternity position, I came back to my previous position. In September 2017 until I received s permanent job with SAFSS Child Care Centre. In February 2019 I was hired with a full-time job and I felt very proud of myself. I work with infants between 6-18months old. We provide support and also an environment where children can get the opportunity to learn through play. The children are also starting to learn English along with their own home language. They are learning about the multicultural environment so they don’t lose their own culture. The children love to play with their friends. I believe that we have to give them the opportunity to have free play time in the classroom and outside with nature to explore. My goal for the future is to continue to learn about my career, help contribute to the learning and education of the children I work with, and engage in the community as an advocator of children. Even with all the challenges that life threw my way, I am living on my dream!