In a South African Township called Sharpeville in 1960, a brutal massacre occurred against the citizens by the police. Over one hundred protesters were injured and 69 were killed. The protests were fueled by oppression and racism, which continues to be a problem 49 years later.
Much of the problem was focused on immigrants and immigration, which continues to be the problem today, but in now the issue is in Canada—another location with a large population of South African newcomers.
The Quinte United Immigrant Services (QUIS) is a non-profit organization that is assisting these immigrants. The office manager of QUIS, Sheilagh Marchand-Pegg, said, "We are all immigrants." This has prompted QUIS to start the Racism. Stop It! Campaign.
Yvonne Ferguson, an outreach worker with the organization believes, "We are all in the same boat and I think it's important to remember that." Therefore, QUIS is now providing interpretation and translations services, answering tax questions, and offers other specialized assistance to new immigrants from South America to Canada.
10 March 2009
