The Baobab Familial: a variety of family support services

Social inclusion
September 17, 2019 •  By Centraide
Tammy

“We see a lot of little victories, here: children who start to speak French, to socialize, who enter the school system more quickly…”

Tamy works for Le Baobab Familial, a Centraide-supported agency.

“I’m a Montrealer of Haitian descent, and working here allows me to better understand what my parents went through as immigrants. I see it in the children, who immediately blend into Quebec culture, while their parents are still in mourning what they’ve left behind.

There are many challenges when you arrive, but your kids push you to go for it, to not stay stuck in a corner. We see a lot of little victories, here: children who start to speak French, to socialize, who enter the school system more quickly… It’s also a kind of respite for parents who are looking for work or who are returning to school. And for me, it’s also a chance to slip back into childhood, and put aside the burdens of being an adult. I could have ended up as one of those teachers who likes to point accusatory fingers at her students; I’m so glad I get to enjoy dancing and jumping with them!”

— Tamy