Draft:Project Emmanuel

Project Emmanuel is a 6-month program based in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) whose stated purposes are to help new Canadians adapt to the culture and acquire essential life skills. It was founded by Dr. Benjamin Ngai with hopes to support young immigrants through nurturing resilience and grit, and building long-lasting relationships. The program offers free room and board for accepted applicants, including shared residence, spirituality classes, and community service opportunities with local charities.

Founding
Benjamin Ngai is a staff physician in Internal Medicine at William Osler Health System, Etobicoke General Hospital. In 1984, he immigrated to Canada and studied at Upper Canada College from Grades 11 to 13. When the 2019-2020 Hong Kong Protests began, he founded Project Emmanuel to help Hongkongers during social unrest. In February 2021, the Government of Canada created the Open Work Permit pathway to assist Hong Kong residents transition from temporary to permanent residence.

On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in an escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War that started in 2014. Government of Canada introduced the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) to support the people of Ukraine. Project Emmanuel welcomed their first class of Ukrainian students.

Present
Since its founding in 2021, over 39 students have participated in the Project Emmanuel program. According to their report, it takes students on average 30 days to secure part-time employment, and 90% of graduates have successfully transitioned into full-time employment since arriving to Canada.