Harper shown on left.
Sometimes the most meaningful learning in community work doesn’t happen in a classroom—it happens in the moments between conversations, cultures, and connection.
Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) provides practicum students with the opportunity to learn in a diverse, community-based environment, where support for newcomers and families is delivered alongside real-world learning experiences. Students from a variety of academic backgrounds, including social work, are able to build confidence, cultural understanding, and practical skills through direct engagement with programs and services.
Harper, a MacEwan University social work student, reflects on her time with AHC:
“My time at Action for Healthy Communities was nothing short of amazing. As a practicum student, I was randomly placed at a facility. I went in with little to no knowledge of the immigration processes in Canada. At AHC, I was not only able to learn so, so much, but I also got to learn about so much culture. Throughout the year I felt my confidence build up so much regarding speaking with clients and even being able to have conversations with my supervisor and fellow colleagues.
Even those who I was not super close to were there to support me any time I had a question or a concern. I was given the amazing opportunity to teach an English class, and my students were all so very dedicated and kind. I got to challenge myself by adjusting how I spoke so that they could understand all while building an amazing bond. My favourite part of being a part of the team at AHC is learning about everybody and where they come from. Everyone is so passionate about sharing their traditions, and the environment was just so welcoming and vibrant.”
Stories like Harper’s reflect the impact of AHC’s work in creating spaces where learning and community support happen side by side. Each practicum experience contributes to stronger understanding, deeper connection, and meaningful engagement across diverse communities.