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STRATEGIC PLAN
WINA's mission is to enrich International Newcomers Students'(INS) lives through its holistic integration framework with an intercultural focus on pride and dignity. WINA animates cultural awareness by promoting public intercultural events and services within the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).
WINA's vision is to become a "Welcoming Newcomer Student Hub" provider of services for
International Newcomer Students (INS) to enhance student success, satisfaction, recruitment, and
retention in Nova Scotia.
WINA’s differentiation strategy is based on a “Successful Transitioning Solution.” WINA is formulating a Welcoming International Students Support and Integration Centre to guide international students throughout their education and post-education to retain them in Nova Scotia. The peer-to-peer support approach is based on a holistic model based on support through advocacy in immigration, academic, mental health and well-being, employment and financial issues. Eventually, the project outputs will be deliverable individually or in groups through online programs to help AINs learn new skills for coping with their studies, anxiety, depression and loneliness, pandemic, and provide them with the tools necessary to handle future stressors. WINA will ensure that the project components are covered despite differences in a facilitator’s background, experience or method of delivery.
The project activities will provide various all-inclusive, holistic programs and services that will empower and relieve barriers for AINS based on their social determinants of health.
WINA support and services commitment from pre-arrival to Canada to transition to university and then connecting students with employers and supporting them as they seek permanent residency in Nova Scotia is the differentiation factor.
WHAT IS THE PROJECT:
International students of African descent are a growing population across Canadian campuses. Drawing from WINA's Mental Health and Well-Being program, which the Canadian Red Cross sponsored, the project's findings confirmed that the target population faces unique challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated.