From newcomer to mentor: Liz's story

A picture of a family of four: a mother, father, son and daughter in front of a body of water and trees in the backgorund

British Columbia — Jul 2024

Photo: Lizeth “Liz” Vega, her husband Renzo, and their two children (now ages 6 and 7) just a few days after they arrived in British Columbia. (Photo courtesy of Lizeth Vega)

July 03, 2024

Migration and Refugees

New Foundations helped me not only with new savings techniques but also to overcome fears, in addition to having a supportive community.”

Lizeth "Liz" Vega

Peruvian newcomer who built skills in the New Foundations program

Seeking a safer and better life, Lizeth "Liz" Vega and her husband Renzo moved to Canada in 2022 with their two young children due to economic and political challenges in Peru.

After arriving in Canada, Liz faced multiple obstacles including language barriers and the need to recertify her qualifications as an engineer. She found support through MCC BC’s New Foundations program in Victoria, British Columbia.

About the New Foundations program

MCC BC's New Foundations program help keep reading...

MCC BC's New Foundations program helps newcomers in Victoria, BC learn how to manage money, daily life and work in Canada. Newcomers learn how to adapt and build upon their existing skills in group workshops and one-on-one meetings.

Initially, she joined the program for the financial literacy workshops, but she also learned new life skills such as wellness practices and skills for the Canadian job market.

Grateful for her growth in the program, Liz returned as an intern to give back to other newcomer families.

Because of the MCC BC New Foundations program, Liz’s family and other newcomer families are acquiring essential skills so they can grow and thrive in their new communities.

A grandfather and grandson holding plants on a patio garden

Luis Vega and his grandfather, Máximo Vega Romero, tend to the family’s patio garden. Luis' mother, Lizeth “Liz” Vega, learned valuable financial, life and job skills in MCC BC's New Foundations program, including how to cultivate a garden using plant pots. She took these skills home and taught her children, Luis and Valentina, how to plant a family garden on their patio. (Photo courtesy of Lizeth Vega)

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Two children slice vegetables at a table

Luis Vega (left) and Valentina Vega (right) cut up some of the vegetables the family has grown in their patio garden. Their mother, Lizeth “Liz” Vega, learned valuable financial, life and job skills in MCC BC's New Foundations program, including how to cultivate a garden using plant pots. She took these skills home and taught her son and daughter how to plant a family garden on their balcony. (Photo courtesy of Lizeth Vega)

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A woman stands behind a table filled with dry foods

Lizeth "Liz" Vega packages dry foods for families in MCC BC's New Foundations program. Her experience as a participant in the program inspired her to work as an intern the following year, serving fellow newcomers to Canada. (Photo courtesy of Lizeth Vega)

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A woman stands behind a podium to facilitate a workshop

Lizeth "Liz" Vega facilitates a workshop for MCC BC's New Foundations program. Her experience as a participant in the program inspired her to work as an intern the following year, serving fellow newcomers to Canada. (Photo courtesy of Lizeth Vega)

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