18 new peer counsellors on domestic violence graduate from course

18 new peer counsellors on domestic violence graduate from course

TORONTO – The Filipino community and the broader community in Ontario are now 18 times richer in community human resources, with the recent addition of 18 Filipino women capable of providing counselling support to victims of domestic violence.

Last Monday, Sept. 25, the community’s new peer counsellors were honored in graduation ceremonies held at Loretto College Chapel, after their completion of a rigorous university level counselling course, provided by Counterpoint Counselling & Educational Co-operative Inc., with the support of Ontario Victim Services Secretariat, Ministry of the Attorney General, and the Counterpoint-Silayan Domestic Violence Peer Support Counsellor Training Program.

The graduates received their certificates from their mentors, Nora Angeles, Clara Luz Castillo, Dr. Smita Tyagi. The ceremony was graced by a representative from the Ministry of the Attorney General, as guest speaker.

The new peer couselllors are: Ma. Fe. Aguinaldo, Frances Caberoy, Norma Calaguas, Lori Anne Canlas, Neddie Capiral, Elizabeth Cendana, Flordeliz Dandal, Zenaida Forbes, Ma. Rosario Fortaleza, Maria Guiao, Merdeditas Ibarra, Luzviminda Longkines, Concepcion Michael, Julie Nanquil, Yolanda, Neo, Trifona Ramiro, Thelma Reyes, and Rosalinda Tijam.

The Graduates’ Response was delivered by Julie Nanquil who was recommended for the course by the Community Alliance for Social Justice.