Wow! Niagara College is featured in a new children’s book intended to help families and kids feel more at home after moving to the Welland community.
Created by the City of Welland, Wonders of Welland (WoW) tells the story of a child named Jackson, whose family moves to the city when his mom begins a job at the College.
The book aims to bridge the gap between generations, established residents, and those new to Welland, fostering a genuine feeling of belonging, community, and shared experiences, while showcasing some of the City’s exciting features, including NC.
“We were pleased to work with the City of Welland on this project to shine a light on the world-class facility that is right here at Niagara College’s Welland Campus,” said Dorita Pentesco, Senior Director, Marketing and Student Recruitment.
“When we started the project, Niagara College was one of the first landmarks we considered, as it plays a significant role in the overall story,” said Marc MacDonald, author of the book and the City of Welland’s Chief Communications & Engagement Officer. “Our goal was always to keep the project as local as possible, and engaging in our relationship with Niagara College, we came away with an outstanding final product.”
Featuring a family portraying the LGBTQ2+ community, the book embraces diversity and inclusivity and is an example of the City’s commitment to building a strong, inclusive, and welcoming community for everyone, aligning with NC’s own values.
“As a College that prides itself on being welcoming, being part of a story intended to make young people feel at home in our community is a natural fit,” said Michael Wales, Director, Communications. “We’re also pleased that this innovative project showcases the talents of a creative Niagara College alum.”
That alum is Javier Carranza, who graduated from NC’s Business program earlier this month. Carranza illustrated Wonders of Welland while working with the City’s Communications department as a graphic design intern in 2022 and 2023.
A native of Honduras with a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design from the University of San Pedro Sula, he was given creative autonomy on the project and delivered an authentic and captivating experience that leaps off the pages.
For inspiration, he visited the Welland Public Library to look through existing children’s books and visited the places that appear in the story.
“I was also fortunate enough to experience the four seasons, which was key to the incorporation of small details that make a difference, such as the wildlife and plant life that is typical of each season of the year,” said Carranza.
Carranza also drew inspiration from his own experience as a newcomer to Niagara, moving to Canada in 2022 as an international student.
“I have personally lived each one of the feelings that are transmitted in Wonders of Welland,” he said. “I know what it feels like to leave your home and create a new one, to know new places, meet new people, to have new experiences, taste new flavors, new smells, to see new landscapes.”
Find out more about the book, its creators and download a digital copy on the City of Welland’s website. The website also lists the City facilities where hard copies can be picked up.
Read the City of Welland’s July 17 media release announcing the launch of the book.
The Welland Campus in Wonders of Welland
The Welland Campus is featured near the beginning of the story on page seven.
Page text:
We moved to Welland because my Mom got a new job at Niagara College. She told me what her job was, but I did not really understand. I know she teaches students older than me and my sister. I learned that all the buildings together is called a campus. She was really happy, and that made me happy, too.
