Why we found PTERYX
PTERYX was initially founded by Grace, Linda and Kevin in May 2020. Most of our members are like-minded international students. We joined PTERYX because we have similar experiences. Some of us suffered from othering by their classmates. Some of us suffered from racism. Some of us suffered from doubt their own identity and culture. Therefore, we joined together because we have the same dream - to change the unequal treatment and let our voices be heard by Canadian society.
Story from our founders
We are a group of international students in Canada, who have experienced language barriers and aloneness. During the first year of studying in Canada, we are always at the corner of the world because of our terrible language. Classmates do not like us because we are unable to communicate with them. Teachers do not like us because we cannot understand instructions. We used to constantly feel unsafe in school, community and society. Everything was just so hard for newcomers.
Therefore, we deeply understand the struggle in a completely new country with new people. We also deeply understand that we must change the status quo. So we founded the PTERYX Foundation of Culture and Education, an organization that helps international students better and faster adapt to their new life in Canada. We aim to support them with their mental wellness, academic requirements, and communicative skills. More importantly, we want to provide international students with warmth and kindness that can make them feel safe.
We are teenagers who are passionate about helping our community to become a home for international students.
