Who we are

Mission

Facilitate the social integration process of Brazilians living in Canada, emphasizing the preservation of heritage and cultural identity, by creating implementing and promoting educational, cultural and social programs and activities.

History

In 1999, Brazilians and Angolans created the Brazil-Angola Community Information Centre (BACIC) to function as an information center and meeting the needs of the two Portuguese-speaking communities.

In 2005, having predominantly focused on the Brazilian community in Toronto, the BACIC was recognized as a charity which allows the issuance of “tax deductible” receipts in Canada for donations received. In contrast, the services provided cannot be charged.

At the General Meeting on April 16, 2010 the Board approved a name change for the institutution to that of CAIS – Centre for Support and Social Integration Brazil-Canada and designated Albercia Soares, Victoria Boger Mull, Monica Nogueira, Rosana Entler, Roberta Cardoso and André Ceranto as the interim directors.

CAIS argues that the effective social integration of immigrants into the host society cannot and should not involve the elimination of traces of the cultural identity of origin, in this case, Brazilian. Maintaining that integration is only achieved when the integration occurs from the recognition and appreciation of the native culture.

CAIS identifies determinants of economical and social integration insufficiency and deficiency of Brazilian migrants in the Toronto area, the lack of English skills, lack of awareness of the rules and practices governing the social and economic life in Ontario, and the loss or weakening of ties with the Brazilian culture.

Present

To validate their goals, CAIS, in partnership with the University of Toronto and University of Western Ontario, conducted research “Brazil, show your face: the many faces of Brazilian Immigrants in Ontario”, researched by Professors Lilian Magalhães, PhD (University of Western Ontario) and Denise Gastaldo, PhD (University of Toronto). It is noteworthy that the research was also supported by the Consulate General of Brazil in Toronto and the Ministry of External Relations (Brazil).

CAIS currently offers the following services:

  • Social services and immigration consulting: Approximately 700 people partook in lectures, individual consultations and social assistance (including consultations via website and e-mail) in 2009 and 2010. In recognition of the importance of the social work offered by the Centre, the interim President was an official guest of the III “Brazilians in the World” Conference, organized by the Ministry of External Relations;
  • Language and Brazilian Culture Workshops: Spoken and written language teaching program and dissemination of national culture for children between 3 and 12 years. The program includes capoeira classes taught by Master Marcio Mendes. Currently, 20 children benefit from this program. In recognition of the importance of this initiative, in 2011, CAIS received two complete “kits” of basic education books from the Ministry of Education of Brazil;
  • English classes: For individuals over 14 years,  the program combines the teaching of the English language and transference of knowledge about the socio-cultural reality of Canada, to facilitate the integration of immigrant. There are currently 16 youth and adults participating in these classes;
  • Cultural promotion and fundraising activities: Conducting “Festas Juninas” (state fairs) and community barbecues, in addition to the active participation of CAIS and its volunteers in the event to benefit victims of floods and landslides in Rio de Janeiro in January 2011.

 

To offer these programs, services and  cover the fixed costs of the organization CAIS relies exclusively on volunteer work and funds raised by donations and annual membership fees.

CAIS does not have its own headquarters, all of its activities are carried out in space donated by St. Christopher House, on Fridays from 6:00 to 8:30 pm, and Joanna de Ângelis Spiritist Study Group (JASSG), on Mondays from 7:00 to 9:00 pm and on Saturdays  from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm.

The suspension of programs and the inevitable limitation of the number of beneficiaries of different activities show a clear lack of available facilities. Recently, the following programs have been suspended:

  • Language Classes and Brazilian Culture: This program for members of the Brazilian and other communities interested in maintaining and acquiring higher levels of proficiency of the portuguese language and interacting with the Brazilian culture. The program had 12 participants of various nationalities. In recognition of the importance of this program, CAIS received copies of books published by the National Fund for Education Development;
  • Video-club: Screening of Brazilian films borrowed from the Consulate General of Brazil in Toronto, at times reaching 20 spectators per session.

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