PRATICUM FINAL REPORT
Human Rights and Social Justice – 5040
BY
Rosemary Akudo Lawson
Supervised by
Darcy Gorrill: WE Program Coordinator
JULY 7, 2025
KAMLOOPS IMMGRATION SERVICES
448 Tranquille Road, Kamloops
Introduction
I had the invaluable opportunity to collaborate with the dedicated women’s empowerment team at KIS from April 22nd – June 30th 2025. Although I wasn’t assigned a specific position, I worked closely with my team coordinators, Darcy, the insightful program coordinator, and Erin, the supportive assistant program coordinator. Together, we carefully reviewed my initial Practicum Learning Objectives (PLO) and brainstormed ways to ensure my experience would be both educational and impactful.
Through our discussions, we developed a comprehensive Practicum Survey Project Outline, which I pursued diligently during my time with them. Based on my tailored learning objectives, they recognised that conducting surveys with KIS clients would not only yield valuable insights but also provide a profound understanding of the intricate ways in which KIS engages with and supports its clients. This collaborative effort deepened my appreciation for the work being done and highlighted the significance of client feedback in shaping effective programs.
My learning objectives were:
- Demonstrate knowledge, through experiential learning, of key human rights and social justice issues locally, nationally, and/or globally.
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of and competence in the application of research methods and techniques.
- Demonstrate leadership in recognising, respecting, and advancing the value of intercultural understanding and worldviews regarding human and environmental diversity.
I selected these learning objectives because they resonate deeply with my commitment to human rights and social justice, issues that ignite my passion. Throughout my time at KIS, I’ve
often contemplated the profound impact they have on the lives of immigrants who seek their assistance every day. These objectives not only reflect the realities of lived experiences but also foster a sense of shared struggle that I, too, intimately understand. As an immigrant, a woman, and a woman of colour, I find that these themes are woven into the fabric of my journey, fuelling my desire to advocate for a more equitable society.
I can confidently say that my learning objectives were successfully met throughout the survey project. The project provided me with a comprehensive and immersive space that challenged me to stretch my understanding and skills in various areas. I meticulously sifted through the diverse responses provided by participants, which allowed me to systematically address and fulfil each of my specific objectives.
Additionally, I took the time to review the KIS annual report, along with its strategic goals, mission, and vision. I was also part of a series of online training: Victims and survivors of crime week 2025. However, the survey itself proved to be the centrepiece of my analysis. It not only corroborated the claims made in their annual reports but also served to validate and reinforce the organisation’s stated objectives and strategies. This alignment between survey findings and documented goals offered a deeper insight into the effectiveness of their initiatives and provided me with a richer context for my research.
I must confess that when I was selecting my objectives, I was uncertain about how to achieve them. By the time I prepared my midterm progress report, I felt completely adrift, particularly regarding objective 3. I struggled to find any concrete ideas or insights to articulate on the topic. However, I held onto the hope that the survey I had conducted would provide the clarity I needed. Thankfully, the survey proved to be instrumental in guiding me towards fulfilling that objective, allowing me to gather valuable insights and direction.
My orientation was formal. I, along with two other coursemates who also did their practicum with KIS, attended our orientation on 22 April from 9 am to 1 pm. We received copies of the KIS programme plans, strategic plan, and policy booklets. We were given a tour of the office and introduced to the staff present before we parted ways to meet our supervisors. I met with my supervisor, and we scheduled to meet on the 29th for formal introductions and agenda setting. I was given an office and keys to the office for the duration of my placement.
On the 29th of April, I met with Darcy and Erin. It was an introductory meeting, and I shared my objectives for the practicum with them, and they shared the Women’s empowerment programme brief and how they work as a team to help women and non-binary individuals who are newcomers settle in Kamloops. Together, we agreed that I will be coming in twice a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Darcy and Erin developed a work plan, which was primarily to conduct a survey “Listening to Our Community: Understanding the Needs, Strengths & Barriers of Immigrant Women and 2SLGBTQIA+ Clients”.
I would say that the survey which was the project I worked on during this placement helped me to understand the issues of human rights and social justice because while doing the survey and reading through the responses, it becomes clear that each case is different, with each having its narrative rather than a single, unified story. These stories are intertwined, shaped by individual circumstances and personal needs. For women and non-binary individuals, the challenges they face are complex; the connection between gender and migratory status becomes evident: being a woman or a non-binary person puts them at a disadvantage, increasing their likelihood of encountering prejudice and violence.
The issues worsen when considering how difficult it is to be a migrant, including their legal vulnerability, lack of knowledge about laws, easy exploitation, cultural displacement, and financial hardship, all while dealing with the realities they face on the ground. These
overlapping problems not only worsen their daily lives but also hinder their access to basic services, legal protections, and opportunities to gain power. This highlights the importance of providing personalised advocacy and support in these situations. The survey shows that newcomers in Kamloops indeed have experienced discrimination and biases based on their gender, identity, ethnicity, race, and immigration status. For example, they have been ignored in public, denied housing, or passed over for jobs because they didn’t have Canadian credentials, experience or permanent residency. Immigrants also have problems, such as language obstacles, as the majority came from non-English speaking countries and need to acquire a new language or skill to get a job.
There was no real AHA moment for me during the placement, but what I would say is that the placement validated my past lived experience and what I have also been learning in my course of study.
I was able to attend the 2SLGBTQIA meeting on two occasions as they prepared for and joined the settlement team meeting.
I would say that my supervisors had little time for me; I was not included in their client meetings and was mostly alone, but they also communicated with me through Teams, and they tried their best to answer my questions, but I felt I was not included in their work.
If I were to embark on this journey with them again, I would relish the opportunity to become an integral part of the team. I would seek to participate actively in the client meetings, immersing myself in the dynamic interactions that unfold. I would have loved to witness first-hand how they engage with clients, their strategies, insights, and the nuances of their communication would have been invaluable for my growth and understanding.