Niva Shrestha [1] (MSc in Rural Planning and Development) recently completed her major research paper investigating the role of recreational activities in Nepali immigrant children living in Guelph towards their inclusion and socialisation in the community. An abstract of Niva’s research is listed below: 

“Sports is universal language that has been practiced in every culture and tradition since ancient times. Immigrant children face psychological issues due to language, unfamiliar environment, new culture, and new people. In settlement process of immigrants in a host country, immigrant children and their transition are overlooked. This research investigates role of recreational activities in Nepali immigrant children living in Guelph towards their inclusion and socialization in the community. In-depth interviews were used to understand their perception on recreational activities, explore available subsidy and financial programs to access recreational activities and understand immigrants’ knowledge on available subsidy and financial programs to access recreational activities. This study concluded there needs to be more work done to publicize available subsidy and financial programs to access recreational activities.”

The research findings advance our understanding of the barriers and considerations for improving access to recreational activities among newcomers in the City of Guelph. Check out the one-page summary [2] of research findings or read the full report [3].