Girl's Leadership Course (Ages 16-24) at CIWA
2023-07-14 - 2023-07-28
OR
August 14 – August 18
10:00am – 2:00pm
Join us for a 12 hour week long course learn more about democracy, advocacy and how to get more active in the community. Make friends and have a lot of fun! Activities, field trips and team building games included.
Open to girls ages 16-24 who are permanent residents, refugees or CUAET visa. Contact Shannon Edeonu to register ShannonE@ciwa-online.com 403-263-4414 Extension 199

Let Equality Bloom
2023-07-14 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Denver)
Women’s Rights Paint Day at Prince’s Island Park (At CIWA if it rains)
Welcome to CIWA! We are hosting a Paint Day in the park to learn more about your Rights, Freedoms and Responsibilities in Canada. We will have discussion, music and light refreshments as everyone paints together for a grand masterpiece! You do not need formal painting skills to attend this session and all of the supplies are included.
This free session is open to immigrant women who are permanent residents, refugees or CUAET visa. Contact Shannon Edeonu to register ShannonE@ciwa-online.com 403-263-4414 Extension 199. Space is limited. (20 spots available)

Women’s Civic Engagement Train the Trainer Course at CIWA
2023-07-17 - 2023-07-21
9:00am-12:00pm
Join us for a week long training course to take closer look at Civic Engagement including rights & responsibilities, government & voting, advocacy and volunteerism. Once the course finishes we will provide customized support for you to help us deliver civic engagement presentations in the community. Once you have completed the course and finished up your presentations you will receive a certificate of achievement and an honorarium.

Childcare available
Transportation support available

Join us for a week long training course to take closer look at Civic Engagement including rights & responsibilities, government & voting, advocacy and volunteerism. Once the course finishes we will provide customized support for you to help us deliver civic engagement presentations in the community. Once you have completed the course and finished up your presentations you will receive a certificate of achievement and an honorarium.
Open to ladies who are CLB 6+ and who are permanent residents, refugees or CUAET visa. Contact Shannon Edeonu to register ShannonE@ciwa-online.com 403-263-4414 Extension 199

Calgary Immigrant Business Expo 2023
2023-10-28 10:00 - 15:00 | Central Library, 800 - 3 St SE, Calgary
You are welcome!
Organized by New Horizons Media Inc., Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association and the Calgary Public Library, the Calgary Immigrant Business Expo (IBE) is a one-day exhibition including workshops, panel discussions, a marketplace, and small business clinics assisting new immigrant and refugee business owners.
Calgary Immigrant Business Expo aims to assist new immigrants in navigating the sometimes complex requirements of operating a small business in Canada. IBE will connect them with government-funded as well as other community services and supports that help newcomers start or grow their own small businesses.
Get your ticket

RESP Sign-up Event
2023-11-16 10:00 - 14:00 | CIWA Building – 3rd Floor, 138 - 4th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 4Z6, Canada
CIWA is hosting an RESP sign up event during the Education Savings Week this year. The event is going to be at our office at #3rd floor 138 4 Avenue SE on Thursday, November 16, 2023 from 10am to 2pm. We’ve invited all of the major banks to help our clients open a FREE Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) and apply for the Canada Learning Bond. Service Canada will also attend so they can support participants with SIN sign-up as needed.
Participants will need to bring:

Their Social Insurance Number (SIN) and Photo ID
Their child’s SIN and ID (PR Card or Birth Certificate)

Collaborative Action: Empowering Immigrant Communities Against GBV Resource Fair and Panel Discussion
2023-11-24 14:00 - 16:00 | CIWA Building – 6th Floor Assembly Hall
This Family Violence Prevention Month, join us for an event focused on addressing gender-based violence and empowering immigrant communities.
Location: CIWA, 6th floor assembly hall
Panel Discussion (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM):

Witness a panel discussion featuring community leaders, experts, and individuals with lived experience. Our panelists will explore the unique challenges and experiences of gender-based violence in immigrant communities.

Resource Fair & Refreshments (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM):

Connect with community partners and organizations
Discover resources and support services for gender-based violence prevention

This is a free community event, and the first 75 registrants will receive a swag bag upon attending. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a meaningful conversation and connect with valuable resources in our collective effort to address gender-based violence.
Register today to secure your spot!
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/collaborative-action-empowering-immigrant-communities-against-gbv-tickets-744635172847?aff=oddtdtcreator

Cross-Cultural Singing Group Starting Soon!
2024-01-10 16:00 - 2024-03-17 17:15 | CIWA Building, #200 138 4 Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 4Z6, Canada
CIWA and Calgary Opera have partnered together to create a creative singing project for women who are interested in:
• Sharing their cultural music heritage through songs and stories
• Learning about different musical cultures and styles
• Developing their voice
• Creating a musical-theatrical performance for family and friends
This group is open to anyone ages 14 to 65+ who loves music, singing, and storytelling! Participants should be able to consistently match pitch, but are not required to have previous music training or performance experience. A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 5 or higher recommended.
To apply or for more information, please contact:
VERONICA ALIU | VeronicaA@ciwa-online.com | (403) 263-4414 Ext.280

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2024-01-24 08:00 - 17:00 | CIWA Building – 3rd Floor, 138 - 4th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 4Z6, Canada
Enter the details of the event here

International Women’s Day 2024: Give the gift of the arts
2024-03-08 18:00
Welcome to a celebration like no other, where the arts take center stage as we honour International Women’s Day 2024. Join us at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium for an unforgettable evening of empowerment, culture, and community. This exclusive event not only invites you to revel in the captivating performance of Alberta Ballet in Hansel & Gretel but also encourages you to play a crucial role in supporting newcomer immigrant women in Calgary. Our goal is to foster a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for these women, showcasing all that Calgary has to offer, including its vibrant arts scene.

Friday, March 8, 2024

6 p.m. Private reception | 7:30 p.m. Ballet

Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14 Ave NW, Calgary

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a celebration that goes beyond entertainment, making a meaningful difference in the lives of immigrant women.
Click here to purchase your tickets: For every two tickets purchased, one will be gifted to a CIWA client. All ticketed guests can attend a private, pre-ballet reception.
Click here to Sponsor this event: Receive special recognition, tickets and pre-ballet reception, while making an impact in the lives of immigrant women.
Together, let’s make International Women’s Day a truly impactful celebration of strength, resilience, and unity.

Take a Break - Girls Spring Celebration!
2024-03-27 11:00 - 2024-03-28 15:00 | CIWA Building – 6th Floor Assembly Hall
Take a Break, Girls Spring Celebration!
The One-on-One Counselling program invites all immigrant girls (PR, CUAET) to join us for two full days of fun activities and skill building. This program runs twice to accommodate the CBE and CCSD spring break schedule.
Dates: March 27 & 28, April 3 & 4
Time: 11 am – 3 pm
Location: CIWA Building, 6th floor Assembly Hall

Modular Employment Training - Registration is ongoing
2024-04-02 - 2025-03-29
Do you need help to get a job? Join CIWA’s Modular Employment Training!
This program provides low-skilled immigrant women training to enter housekeeping, room attendant, and kitchen help roles. Clients receive one on one resumes and job search assistance. The program accepts new clients year-round for part-time or full-time sessions, and classes start every Monday. The program is available to immigrant women and refugees with 12 years or less of education who are permanent residents with Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 or less.
Learn workplace English.
Learn and improve skills and abilities in cleaning, housekeeping or kitchen help.
You will learn:

Cleaning and kitchen help
Customer service skills
Scheduling, phone etiquette
Hotel housekeeping
Basic food safety, skills on weights and measures
Health and safety standards
WHMIS, working with chemicals, signs and symbols
Employment standards
Teamwork in Canada
Basic computer skills
Job search skills
Interview skills

How does the program work?

Classes are ongoing all year round
Classes start every Monday

Classes are:

Morning – 9:15 – 11:45 or
Afternoon – 1:00 – 3:30 or
A choice of Full day classes
We help make resumes
We assist you find a job

More information:

Free course
Childcare is available
Bus tickets available

Contact us for an appointment
Call for an appointment: (403) 263-4414 ext. 228 or 170
Or email us at Modulartraining@ciwa-online.com

Take a Break – Girls Spring Celebration!
2024-04-03 11:00 - 2024-04-04 15:00 | CIWA Building – 6th Floor Assembly Hall

CIWA Grandma’s Kitchen invites you to Eid Celebrations
2024-04-30 10:30 - 14:30 | Baitun Nur Mosque, 4353 54 Ave NE, Calgary, 4353 54 Ave NE, Calgary, Alberta, T3J 4L3, Canada
Senior women from various cultures will join in a celebration of Eid. Join us in tasting diverse cuisine and participating in well-being activities. Ingredients and supplies will be provided.
Eligibility: Women 50+ with PR, Refugee, and CUAET immigration status

Mental Wellbeing and Resilience Workshops
2024-05-16 13:00 - 2024-06-27 14:30 | Genesis Center, 7555 Falconridge Blvd NE, Calgary, Alberta, T3J 0C9, Canada
Join us for a workshop on mental wellbeing and resiliency every Wednesday from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm. This workshop welcomes participants on a drop in basis, all are welcome to join (18+).
Location: Genesis Centre Room No. 105
Contact: Vandana Sharma
e: vandanas@ciwa-online.com
#: 403-561-8073

Take-A-Break Girls Self-care Activity
2024-07-10 11:00 - 2024-07-11 15:00 | CIWA Building – 6th Floor Assembly Hall
The one-on-one counselling program invites all immigrant girls 13-24 years old (PR, Refugee & CUAET) to join for two fun-filled days of games, crafts, painting, jewellery making, and more. Learn about wellness, self-care, community resources, building social connections, and participating in an intergenerational activity.
This event will take place on Wednesday July 10th and Thursday July 11th from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Register today using the QR code.

Youth Wellness Day
2024-07-19 11:00 - 15:00 | Heritage Park, 1900 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2V 2X3, Canada
In collaboration with Planet Youth, we invite all immigrant girls (PR, CUAET) aged 13-24 to join us for an amazing Wellness Day.
*Priority will be given to those who live in the Shawnessy, Saddleridge, Forest Lawn, and Thorncliffe/Huntington Hills areas.
Scan the QR code to register or email rosemarys@ciwa-online.com to save a spot. Limited spots are available!

Grandma's Kitchen and Self-esteem Group
2024-07-26 11:00 - 14:00 | Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3A 1V7, Canada
Client-let Taichi session followed by a hearty lunch prepared by the Seniors.

Take-A-Break Girls Self-care Activity
2024-07-31 11:00 - 2024-08-01 15:00 | CIWA Building – 6th Floor Assembly Hall
The one-on-one counselling program invites all immigrant girls 13-24 years old (PR, Refugee & CUAET) to join for two fun-filled days of games, crafts, painting, jewellery making, and more. Learn about wellness, self-care, community resources, building social connections, and participating in an intergenerational activity.
This event will take place on Wednesday July 31st and Thursday August 1st from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Register today using the QR code.

Youth Wellness Day
2024-08-09 11:00 - 15:00 | Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George's Drive NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 7V6, Canada

Take-A-Break Girls Self-care Activity
2024-08-21 11:00 - 2024-08-22 15:00 | CIWA Building – 6th Floor Assembly Hall
The one-on-one counselling program invites all immigrant girls 13-24 years old (PR, Refugee & CUAET) to join for two fun-filled days of games, crafts, painting, jewellery making, and more. Learn about wellness, self-care, community resources, building social connections, and participating in an intergenerational activity.
This event will take place on Wednesday August 21st and Thursday August 22nd from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Register today using the QR code.

Hospitality Training for Immigrant Women - February 9 2026 to May 1, 2026
2026-02-09 - 2026-05-01
Delivered in collaboration with Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), this 12-week fulltime program helps immigrant women develop and enhance their employability skills in the
hospitality and tourism industry.
This project offers

8 weeks of integrated occupational, English language and essential skills training
4 weeks of work experience placement
Customized training in partnership with SAIT
Computer skill enhancement and employment counselling
Job placement and retention support

Other details

Free training
Employer engagement

Other details

Free training
Employer engagement

Eligibility Criteria

Unemployed or underemployed immigrant women not receiving EI benefits
Open to permanent residents, refugees and Canadian citizens except CUAET holders
Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs) of 6 or higher in all four skills
Should not possess prior academic credentials from Canada

To register
Fill out this Registration Form for Hospitality Training
Contact
Arefin Azam
(403) 263-4414 Ext. 170
hospitalitytraining@ciwa.org

Training for Translators and Interpreters - April 7 to July 10, 2026 (including 2-week work placement) - open for registration
2026-04-07 - 2026-07-10
This 14-week full time employment training program supports professional immigrant women who are proficient in more than one language.
Eligibility
• Permanent residents or convention refugees
• High school or post-secondary education
• Canadian Language Benchmark 7 or higher in all strands or equivalent language scores
• Be able to commit to 3 months of full-time training followed by interpretation and translation assignments
Program Details
• 12 weeks of training and 2 weeks of work practicum
• Interpreter and Translator Training: Learn from a licensed community interpreter trainer and experienced translator
• Certification Prep: Prepare for the interpreter proficiency test (CILISAT) and the Community Interpreter Exam (CI)
• Translation Skills: Gain basic translation skills: translation strategies, glossary building, proofreading techniques
• Industry Insights: Connect with industry experts and community organizations that use freelance interpreting and translation services in educational, social, legal, immigration, and healthcare settings
• Job Search and Business Basics: Develop your job search skills and learn about starting your own business
Reimbursement for childcare and transit may be available
Computer Skills
• Learn to use Microsoft Office and translation software
Contact us today
interpretationtraining@ciwa-online.com
(403) 263-4414 ext. 127

Customer Service Training - April 13 to July 3, 2026 - open for registration
2026-04-13 - 2026-07-03
Customer Service – Course Description
This program provides training on customer service techniques to deal with any situation, including telephone support, face-to-face, and dealing with angry customers. Training includes sales techniques and receive cash register training.

Program Details

Canadian workplace culture
Business communication enhancement
Digital skills enhancement in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
6 months of job search support
Child care and transit support

Our Career Counsellor will help with:

a professional resume and cover letter
job search techniques
job interview practice
a LinkedIn profile
Eligible Clients

The program is available to immigrant women who are permanent residents or conventional refugees with Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 5-6.
For more information, please email: customerservicetraining@ciwa-online.com

Bridging the Gap for Foreign Trained Accountants - April 13 to July 3, 2026 - open for registration
2026-04-13 - 2026-07-03
This full time 12-week employment training program is designed to help professional immigrant women with an accounting or finance background in enhancing the skills needed to succeed in the Canadian workforce within their professional field.
Participants will gain:
• 12 weeks of comprehensive classroom training
• English language enhancement for professional communication
• Essential skills for adapting to Canadian office culture
• Software training – QuickBooks, Simply Accounting, Xero, MS Excel
• Digital skills building
• Job search assistance and career planning support
• Individualized labor market analysis and action plan
Who can apply?
Immigrant women who are:
• Unemployed or underemployed
• Permanent residents or conventional refugees
• Educational background in accounting and/or finance, preferably with one year of professional experience outside of Canada
• Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 7 or higher
Participants may be reimbursed for childcare and transit costs during the program.
Contact us today
(403) 263-4414 Ext. 127
bridgingthegap@ciwa-online.com

Office Skills Training for STEM Professionals - April 13 to July 3, 2026 - open for registration
2026-04-13 - 2026-07-03
This full time 12-week training program is specifically designed to support STEM professionals to enhance their employability skills needed to join the Canadian workforce in various professional fields.
Participants will gain:
• 12 weeks of classroom training
• Essential skills to integrate into Canadian office culture
• English language development with a focus on professional communication
• Digital skills training including MS Office Suite, Prezi/Canva, Power BI, Cloud Storage, SharePoint, Google Workspace, and Digital Forms
• Job search and career planning support
• Individualized labor market analysis and action plan
• Participants may be reimbursed for childcare and transit costs during the program
Who can apply?
Immigrant women who are:
• Permanent residents or conventional refugees
• Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 7 or higher
• STEM professionals with a post-secondary education, preferably with 1 year of professional experience outside Canada
Contact us today
Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association
403-263-4414 ext. 116
careerservices@ciwa-online.com

Culinary Skills Training - April 20 to July 10, 2026 - open for registration
2026-04-20 - 2026-07-10
Culinary Skills Training
for Immigrant Women
FREE Training
What will you learn?
• Cooking techniques, roles and responsibilities
• Safety and sanitation
• Kitchen operation
• Knife skills
• Preparation and cooking
• Occupational English language training
• Workplace Essential Skills
• Interview and resume skills
• Canadian job culture
Which certifications will you earn?
• Alberta Advanced Safety Food Certificate
• WHMIS
How will it operate?
• Training in a classroom and commercial kitchen
• Childcare and transit costs provided
Who can apply?
• Immigrants who are Permanent Residents with
Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 5-6
• Older than 18 years of age
• Able to attend training for 12 weeks and available
to work after training
To register call Ketaki Wani at 403-263-4414 Ext. 270 or email her at culinaryskillstraining@ciwa-online.com

Security Guard Training - April 27 to June 5, 2026 - open for registration
2026-04-27 - 2026-06-05
Registration now open for our next Security Guard Training – April 27 to June 5, 2026
Security Guard – Program Description

The Security Guard course covers the Alberta government’s Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) material and helps you prepare for the Alberta Security License exam. The course teaches about the security industry, the Canadian legal system, emergency response procedures, communication skills, and health and safety for Security Guards. Extra focus will be given to learning observation skills and incident report writing.
Program Details

Digital skills enhancement in Microsoft Word and Outlook
6 months of job search support
Child care and transit support

Our Career Counsellor will help with:

a professional resume and cover letter
job search techniques
job interview practice
a LinkedIn profile

Eligible Clients
This Security Guard course is available free to immigrant women in Calgary who are permanent residents or conventional refugees with Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 5-6.
For more information, please email: securityguardtraining@ciwa-online.com

Digital Marketing Training - July 6 to September 11, 2026
2026-07-06 - 2026-09-11
Digital Marketing
What will you learn?

Branding
Web Design
Search Engine Optimization
Online advertising campaigns
Email marketing
Social media
Graphic design
Data Analytics and other tools
MS Office, Canva, Adobe Photoshop
Canadian workplace culture

How will it operate?

Classroom training
Childcare and transit costs provided to eligible clients

Eligibility

Immigrant women who are permanent residents or conventional refugees with CLB 6-7.
Over 18 years of age
Can commit to 10 weeks of training and to working afterward

Contact
Ketaki Wani
digitalmarketingtraining@ciwa-online.com
403-263-4414 Ext. 270
