Biography 312: How to Preserve a Lot of Laal Shaak.

 When my parents went to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, my uncle, Mejo Mama, with his family, stayed with us in Dhaka for a month to take care of us. I always feel and show respect to them for this act. They put their careers and earnings aside to look after us and stay with us like our parents. Especially, my aunt, Mejo Mami, worked hard and did household duties like a mother during a very hot summer.

Actually, my mom asked both her brothers, Mejo Mama and Chhoto Mama, to stay with us; she thought they would split the time, each staying for 15 days. However, she didn't clearly communicate her plans to her brothers. That's why both of them assumed they would stay with us for the entire month.

My aunt/Majo Mami and uncle/Majo Mama took a one-month break from their office. In the middle, they had to go back to work for some reason, then they returned again. When my Chhoto Mama (my mom's youngest brother) found out about it, he said there was no point in staying with us with his family during this month since his brother was already taking care of us.

When they stayed with us, my uncle or Mejo mama used to do grocery shopping from the bazar. One day, he bought lots of "Laal shaak" (Red Amaranth or Red Spinach). I was thinking that we can't cook all of them, and we can't keep this leafy vegetable in the refrigerator for a long time, as it will go to waste. My uncle said he thought we could keep everything fresh in the refrigerator. My aunt said she would cook all of them. I replied, but we don't have a big pot to cook them all together. My aunt said she would cook one pot after another.

She must be thinking, What a low IQ girl I am. I have no idea about cooking. Actually, I didn't have much knowledge of cooking, but I always try to help or work with our guests; I just didn't let them work all alone.

MULTICULTURAL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL (MLC)

 MULTICULTURAL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL (MLC)

What Is MLC?

The MLC is an advisory group designed to bring a more diverse cultural perspective to the community. 

The Saskatoon Open Door Society is committed to enhancing the experience of newcomers to Saskatoon, and strives to create an environment that reflects the multicultural nature of the city’s demographic with a positive and effective tool.

The MLC consists of graduates from the LACE (Leadership and Community Engagement) program. These participants have received specialized training focused on community leadership and engagement and have a strong commitment to representing the multicultural voice in the community.

The Vision: 

The MLC will be a strong voice in the growth, development, support and education of the community.

The Mission:

The MLC is a diverse team dedicated to sharing the immigrant/refugee perspective with the community to advocate and promote diversity and cultural awareness.

The Role:

The Multicultural Leadership Council will serve as an advisory board for the community. Members will be able to provide a cultural perspective on civic matters including those that focus on police, housing, transportation, education and others. They will also be available to attend meetings and provide presentations to those groups interested in learning more about the immigrant experience. 

The Multicultural Leadership Council will also work to strengthen their leadership skills by way of continued learning, and expand their network by attending community events and forums.

The Values:

Respect: MLC will be sensitive to the diversity of cultures and traditions as it builds relationships through recognition, acceptance, open-mindedness and equality.

Innovation: MLC aims to find new ideas and progressive approaches in establishing and building relationships with our stakeholders to foster growth.

Commitment: MLC will honor and respect the cultures and traditions of our diverse community.

Professionalism: MLC will conduct itself with trust, integrity and responsible leadership.

Teamwork: MLC will collaborate and work together to achieve common goals through flexibility, sensitivity, and tolerance.

MLC Mottos and Meetings:

The MLC will determine a motto annually to inspire and motivate their work. They will meet on a regular basis to plan activities and learning opportunities. The Saskatoon Open Door Society’s Cultural Bridging and Community Engagement team will collaborate with the MLC to ensure that these goals are achieved.

What are the differences between LACE Alumni and MLC? 

LACE Alumni vs MLC

Lace Alumni have completed a 6 month training series that focused on skill development and education MLC is a continuous process with a solid work plan, hands-on learning and community representation 

LACE alumni do more social projects focusing on networking, community events    MLC represents the immigrant community and gets involved in various community and civic events, forums, “think tanks”  

LACE alumni meets about every 3 months Meets on a regular basis (possibly monthly)

Participation in LACE alumni activities is voluntary. Commitment is necessary part of MLC program and activities

LACE Alumni creates activities based on Alumni interests. MLC bases activities on the needs of community. 

LACE is open to any newcomer to apply MLC members must be graduates of LACE and completed all sessions. 

We are very interested in your opinion, thoughts and feedback. Please take a few minutes to answer the following questions:

1. Are you interested in being a member of the Multicultural Leadership Council (MLC)?

Ans: Yes.

 

2. Part of the MLC requires some collaboration with local NGOs and government committees. Do you feel this is important? Would you welcome this involvement? 

Ans: Yes, It is important, and I welcome this involvement.

3. MLC will serve as an advisory board for the community. You may be asked to attend meetings and provide presentations to groups interested in learning more about the immigrant experience. Do you think you can provide a cultural perspective on a variety of topics? (Obviously not everyone is comfortable with public speaking. Research and support are also important aspects of the MLC.)

Ans: If I have anything to add, yes, of course. I’d like to contribute.

4. Are you willing to engage with the community to build awareness about the benefits of cultural diversity and the dangers of racism and xenophobia?

Ans: Yes.

5. What resources would help you fulfill your role as a member of the MLC? (ie., webinars, training, practice)

Ans: All, according to its needs.

6. Do you have any suggestions for a “starting point” or organization you would like to look into for sharing a cultural perspective on an issue?

Ans:  One issue might be securing a job in Canada based on their education and experience. Almost all immigrants face this challenge.

7. Do you have any suggestions or thoughts you would like to share at this time?

Ans: Right now, only online communication is safe for all.

Planning ahead

 I always try to manage my time effectively. That's why, when I work on something, I plan what I will do next and then what follows after that. So, when I finish my current task, I know exactly what to do next and can begin working on it.

To make things perfect, I am trying to live in the present moment. I just want to think about what I am doing and how I can improve it. It helps me do the work better. But after completing this work, I feel blank because I didn't make a plan for what to do next. It takes some of my time to figure out what to do next, and many times I actually forget the most important task on my list.

I'm also trying to solve this problem. I often make a list of tasks I need to do. That way, whenever I finish a task, I can look at the list and decide what to start next.

Let's see how it works..

Biography 311: Asking the strangers

 I went to BFC-Best Fried Chicken (Shantinagar, Bangladesh) with Shafeen. We ordered and are waiting for our food. I saw a couple of teenagers enjoying someone's birthday. A boy, probably the birthday girl's boyfriend, gave her some gifts with a red balloon. Everything looks great. I was enjoying watching their activities.

Shafeen was watching too. He was about a three/or four-year-old boy. He told me, "I want to have the red balloon." I said, "Ok, go ahead," and requested her to give it to him. "If they don't," I added, "just come back." Shafeen didn't wait. He walked over there, and I saw him saying something to the birthday girl. The girl didn't seem to know what to do, but gave Shafeen the red balloon. Then both the girl and the boy started laughing. Shafeen also laughed, happy to have achieved the balloon.

I was surprised; I didn't expect Shafeen to approach strangers, and for them to give him the balloon. Everyone likes kids. Salute to the teenagers.

For new immigrants in Saskatoon

There is some common ground where newcomers face trouble in Saskatoon (Saskatchewan, Canada). They are mentioned here, and note the organization's name where newcomers can look for information.

 Language:

a.       Why:  People can’t communicate or get a good job without excellent Language proficiency.

b.       3 Organizations in Saskatoon who work on this issue:

                                                               i.      Saskatchewan Polytechnic

                                                             ii.      Global gathering place

                                                           iii.      Saskatchewan Indian Institution of Technologies

2.       Job:

a.       Why: If people can’t earn money, they can’t live.

b.       3 Organizations in Saskatoon who work on this issue:

                                                               i.      Saskatoon Open Door Society

                                                             ii.      Global Gathering Place

                                                           iii.      Saskatchewan Indian Institution of Technologies 

3.       Skill Training:

a.       Why: To get a better job, people must have some skills, educational training or courses in Canada.

b.       3 Organizations in Saskatoon who work on this issue:

                                                               i.      Saskatoon Open Door Society

                                                             ii.      Global Gathering Place.

                                                           iii.      Saskatoon Trades & Skills Centre 

4.       Government facilities:

a.       Why: To live a better life, people need to know how the government helps with different problems.

b.       3 Organizations in Saskatoon who work on this issue:

                                                               i.      Saskatoon Open Door Society.

                                                             ii.      Global Gathering Place.

                                                           iii.      City of Saskatoon 

5.       Laws:

a.       Laws are different for immigrant people. To avoid trouble, they must know the Canadian law.

b.       3 Organizations in Saskatoon that work on this issue:

                                                               i.      Saskatoon Open Door Society

                                                             ii.      Global Gathering Place

                                                           iii.      Saskatchewan government

Life goal

 There have been many times when I have found myself in situations where I needed to change my career, life, or anything else. That may be why I have changed my educational and career path 360 degrees, not just once, but a couple of times.

I wanted to stand still and grow, but life is very strange, dynamic, and it changed its path for me.

I'm no longer afraid of surprises and difficulties. No matter what comes my way, I'll enjoy it. No matter how much trouble arises in my life, I will try to handle it with my own strength and luck, then accept the outcomes. I actually don't have many options.

Biography 310: Mugs.

 At home or at work, we all have our own personal mug for coffee or tea. It's something that matches our preferred size and design, or it might be a mug given by someone we like. For me, I prefer a mug that's different from others, so nobody takes my cup for their tea or coffee.

My friend Tuheen once said she never buys her own coffee mug. It should be a gift from someone else. She has bought mugs to give to others but not for herself. She is now a successful entrepreneur in Bangladesh.

I like her idea, but I had to buy my own mug. When someone’s mug breaks, I always get a different design for that person. Just try not to match with anyone else in the room.

So, whenever I get a mug from any corporate advertisement or gift, I keep it. My current mug might break, and then I will need another one with a unique design.

The last mug I received is from my dad. He is no longer with us. May Allah grant him and us Jannah.

Dean's Honour Lists

 I have made the Dean's Honour List every semester in the "Community Worker" program at George Brown College from September 2022 to June 2024.

This one is for the 1st semester, Fall 2022.

Dean's Honour List for the second semester, Winter 2023 term.

Dean's Honour List for the 3rd semester, Fall 2023 term.

Dean's Honour List for the 4th/final semester, Winter 2024.

My food journey these days.

 I'm a foodie. I enjoy trying different cuisines and types of food. I usually prepare various dishes by following recipes. At first, I used recipes from a cookbook. I started with Siddika Kabir's recipes. Later, I began following recipes on YouTube, then on Instagram and Facebook. 

These days, I have food restrictions on many foods. I also lack the time and energy to follow recipes and cook. Still, I try. I have almost stopped ordering food from outside, which helps save money and maintain my health. Sometimes, when I can't cook, I just eat fruit or snacks to hold me over, and then I cook when I can.

Whenever I shop (mostly online), I try to bring some ready-to-eat meals so that when I can't cook, I have something to eat. It's expensive, but very helpful.

I wish I had a personal cook who would make meals for me.

Biography 309: Movie Desh Premee

 Like most mothers, my mom also faced trouble feeding her son. She found that only when a TV ad came on, he would freeze and keep watching the advertisement. In that moment, whatever my mom put in his mouth, he would just eat.

As my mom suggested, my dad asked his boss, who has a VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) at home, to record some TV programs on a video cassette. Our house has a VCP (Video Cassette Player), so we couldn't record anything ourselves. Dad's boss was like a family friend; he used to come with his family to our home during Eid. He recorded some beautiful TV commercials on a video cassette. My mom used to play that to feed her son.

When Sifat grows up, this TV-watching habit continues. He used to eat rice by himself in front of a TV. He mostly watches movies. His favourite one was a Hindi movie "Desh Premee" from a video cassette. The leading actors were Amitabh Bachchan, Sharmila Thakur, and Hema Malini.

He watches this movie so many times in a day that not only he, but we also remember every single dialogue and shot of ithis movie. Sometimes, he even acts out parts of the movie.

My mom was happy, at least her son is eating rice.

Master of Science, certificate

 University of Dhaka, Master of Science. This is to certify that Shahana Shafiuddin of Shamsun Nahar Hall obtained the Degree of Master of Science in Geography & Environment, Group A (Urban) in this university at the examination and that she was placed in the second class.

Coffee, for me.

 Every person who drinks coffee has their own reasons. Some say it keeps them awake, others say it gives people energy. Some have become addicted and can't go without coffee. One individual told me it helps prevent cancer, even though that person chews tobacco in their gum. I don't know—if they don't want cancer, then why are they inviting them in their gum? Some like its taste, with or without milk/cream or sugar.

I like the aroma of coffee. If anyone makes or brings coffee into any room, the whole room's aroma changes. I love that. Even when I walk past any coffee shop or Tim Hortons and smell the coffee aroma, it makes me feel amazing.

I drink coffee to suppress hunger. When I get hungry between my meals, I try to drink coffee, especially at the workplace. I used to have coffee with cream and sugar. Nowadays, I only drink coffee with milk. I also tried black coffee. I tried it for a couple of days, but I couldn't keep it up.

Biography 308: As a renter

I am from Bangladesh, and I have never rented a house there. After I was born, I started living with my paternal grandparents. My grandfather gave that house to my father, so I have lived in it. Then moved in with my parents. My parents began their life in a rented house abroad, and later my mother built her own apartment building in Bangladesh. We moved there, and I grew up in my mother's house.

After getting married, I started living with my in-laws. It was a rented apartment.

The first time I rented an apartment was in Canada. I generally don't like to change houses frequently. I stay in a place as long as I can. I took 3 buses to get to work but didn't move my living area. Unless I have a major reason, I stay in the same apartment.

I have seen that my landlords liked me. Nobody wanted me to leave. I have never missed or delayed the rental fee. I intentionally never broke or damaged anything in the house. My credit score is always good, over 800 most of the time.

It's in my nature to try to adapt wherever I live.

Linc Certificate

 

Linc, Language instruction for newcomers to Canada. Presented to Shahana Shafiuddin. Through participation in language training, this person has demonstrated achievement of Canadian Language Benchmarks. Training provided by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatoon Campus.

How to make our society better?

 When a corporation raises its product prices, reduces its services, cuts staff, and closes some branches, it makes more profit. You will see their profit grow to triple or more billions (maybe even trillions).

They didn't grow this money in the tree. This money came from people who don't have much. By taking part of their income, they are actually taking their better living system, enough food for all the family members, earnings or reducing the earnings, expanding their expenses in every way-- like furniture, food, vacation, dress up, or any other services that are needed to have a good life.

These people become middle-income people to poor, poor to poorer. At the end, they had to find more than one job, too much pressure on the body to earn, less food, an unhealthy home, or being totally homeless. How long will they tolerate this? Because of a civilized attitude, most of them won't say anything but get diseases, become disabled, lose good behaviour at home or in the workplace. Some may not be able to stay like this, so they started stealing food or other necessary items and started living on the road.

Now, how does society behave with them? Privileged people don't understand these people's situation, that this is not their fault. It is the result of some greedy people's decisions and actions. But give blame that they are disabled, don't work, don't live in a home (?). So, they must sweep them out of the city or put them in jail.

If you really want to improve your society, then you have to take care of low-income, no-income, disabled, elderly, and children. Make a way for them to live a decent life, not just as street beggars. They need to be listened to to know precisely what they need. Make a good short- and long-term plan to address the problems that put people in that condition.

Stop letting corporations profit from harming people, directly or indirectly.

Biography 307: My Boro Khala (Aunt) - Long hair.

 Among all the sisters, my mom and her younger sister, Rubi Khala, had the longest dark hair. In Bangladesh, all women used to love having hair like this. 

Boro Khala (Mom's older sister) also had long hair. When her children grew up or she became a little older, her hair grew thinner. She was living in the USA with her son at that time. 

She came to Bangladesh to visit all her relatives, and one day she also came to our house. I was sitting on a bed while she was combing her hair. When she opened her hair bun (in Bangla, Khopa) and started combing it, I noticed her hair was quite long. She smiled and said, "My children scold me for keeping such thin, long hair." They always suggest that I cut it off. But I like long hair, and I want to keep it that way.

Ontario Human Rights Commission affirms this

 Certificate of Completion. The Ontario Human Rights Commission affirms that Shahana Shafiuddin has successfully completed "Working Together: The Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Tea bags

 Trying to buy everything made in Canada and also affordable. You know how difficult it is to shop with both of these criteria at the same time.

I was searching for tea bags and found Black Tea from the No Name brand. I doubted its taste, but since it was made in Canada and was the cheapest option, I decided to buy it.

I didn't have any high expectations for these tea bags. As long as I can drink it, I'm fine with it. Without sugar, tea isn't tasty to me.

I made my tea with these new tea bags. It tastes strong and gives the water less colour. I can handle it. It's not bad.

Biography 306: From the roof.

 Once upon a time, our house was the tallest building in the neighbourhood. It was a five-storey building. From the roof, we could see the neon sign "Allah" at the Baitul Mokkarram masjeed from the Bashabo area. We also had a view of the city skyline of Matijhil Commercial area. On the opposite side, we could see the rural parts of Dhaka, mostly covered by green fields, water bodies, and a few shaded houses.

One day, I took Boro Khala (my aunt) and Dola Apa (cousin) to the roof with all my sisters. We took some pictures together. There was a concrete seating area on the roof. We all sat there and snapped some memorable photos.

My mother planted some trees on the roof — like guava, henna, and pathor-kuchi — along with some flowers. Everybody loved the view from the roof. It's gone now, replaced by high-rise apartment buildings.

YMCA Volunteers Acknowledgement Form

 

User interface testing is essential

 User interface testing is essential for any software, web application, or mobile app. I have often encountered simple problems while browsing or using an app. Users may interact with an application in different ways based on their needs and knowledge. They might not follow the ideal way (as the developer intended).

When I encounter any issues with software that should have been fixed before it was released, it makes me or any customer feel that I should stop using it, or they might find their own solution.

For example, recently I have used some new versions of image editing applications. They are from reputable or large companies. However, I found that in most cases, they didn't offer the option to control the canvas size. The original image might be too large, and after editing, it could become even larger. Displaying a large image can be problematic, as it can make it difficult for users to download. Controlling image size should be a basic feature of image editing tools.

These days, most people browse using a cell phone. Often, internet bandwidth is limited. Even those who use computers may face limitations with their internet speeds. When we share anything online, we must remember that people from around the world might see it. In that case, file size becomes very important.

I need to open the image in another editing tool and then save it just to reduce the image or canvas size.

Biography 305: My Boro Khala (Aunt) - Shaaree

 Boro Khala always looks great in a Shaaree (saari). I have seen that no matter what kind of shaaree it is, she can manage well and wear it very organized way. Whether it was a hard new cotton shaaree or silk, she made it look elegant in an effortless way. She knows simple tricks to make all the Shaaree manage well.

If I am not wrong, Shaaree is her favourite gift.

Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps Certificate

 

Civic sense about noise

 There are some common civic senses that apply to every community around the world. The most common is making noise. You can make noise when necessary, such as grinding spices, running a vacuum cleaner, moaning, watching a movie at high volume, singing loudly, walking so strongly that people below you can hear your footsteps, etc. However, these activities should be done between 7 am and 11 pm. After 11 pm, you need to be very mindful of sounds. If you are watching TV, keep the volume low. Also, avoid doing any work that could disturb your neighbour, such as running a washing machine or dryer.

In the city, we must carefully manage things like noise. It's not until other disturbances occur that you truly realize.

Sometimes people make noise unintentionally. They might have no control over it or do so by mistake. You may find it difficult to sleep or rest. But we are all human, so we should forgive our neighbours too.

Biography 304: My Boro Khala (Aunt) - Criticism

 One day, I made something to eat. It wasn't good. I knew my family would strongly criticize me. They were doing that. Boro Khala came and tasted it. Then she said, "It is good, just got burnt at the edge, otherwise, it is cooked well."

That made me feel good. I realize you can point out a mistake without hurting others.

Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulations

 

Don't impose your decisions on others.

 I like freedom. That's why I try to give others around me the freedom to be themselves. They can bring friends or anyone home at any time. They can share their opinion or suggestions with me on any topic or situation. I always try to accept others' thoughts as much as possible.

Sometimes, that leads to some misunderstandings. They think they can make me do anything. No. If I said no, that means I can't accept, so please back off.

People can suggest ideas to me, and I will consider them. But the final decision will be mine. My life, my decision. Your life, your decision. 

Like Facebook, it's your decision what you publish, how you respond to others' comments, and so on. However, you can't control others' posts or their reactions. Whether you like it or not, you don't have to force your choice on others.