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Program 1: Language empowerment

English and French Classes

A common challenge for immigrants moving to Canada is the language barrier, as many newcomers have little formal education due to conditions in their home countries such as poverty, instability, and conflict. These individuals often struggle to benefit from English classes offered by many agencies, as these classes are typically taught in English or French, rather than their native language. For adults with limited education, learning a new language can be difficult, if not impossible.

To address this challenge, we have developed resources and materials aimed at making language learning easier for newcomers. Our program offers English and French language training with coaches who are familiar and comfortable with various African languages. This approach is tailored to those with minimal language skills, helping them enhance their abilities to communicate, find employment, and pursue further education.

Our trainers provide language materials that include translations and explanations in the students’ native language, ensuring a more efficient and effective learning process. By bridging the language gap in this way, we aim to facilitate the successful integration and advancement of newcomers in Canadian society.

Classes requirements

Students from minority communities requiring literacy classes may access classes however the student should first take a CLB assessment to determine their ability in four different language skills – listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Literacy classes include three levels.

In this level, learners engage in Project-Based learning, focusing on building knowledge about their community while developing English or French language skills. The classes focus on four areas – speaking, listening, reading, and writing – these are acquired through participation in hands-on activities that align with the requirements of the CLB Benchmarks for Literacy Learners.

Students learn in small classes permitting them to gain much-needed confidence and self-esteem through frequent conversational practice. They can also ask questions in their mother tongue whenever classification is required.

Students will build on the skills developed in level one in a classroom setting with desks. Twice a week they will learn through videos, song, artwork, journaling, and exercise. Students will also engage in experiential learning through field trips, cultural days, and guest speakers. These sessions will emphasize safety, health and community resources. Homework is encouraged but optional.We implement these solutions in a holistic and culturally sensitive manner to better support refugee and immigrant youth in navigating their new communities with accurate information and resources.

Students will be provided with assistance in two primary areas: Compute Skills and Job Application skills.

Basic computer classes will be based on students’ needs. The skills learned from this class will enhance students’ employability and open new paths of communication, information, and knowledge.

Since students have learned from level one and two all necessary skills for workers, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing, in level three, they will learn about job interviews and how to write a resume. This will empower them with skills to apply for a job opportunity, do an interview and perform well at work…

Program 2: Community Engagement

Statement of need

Misinformation and a lack of reliable information are significant challenges faced by refugee and immigrant youth as they navigate their new communities. These young individuals often turn to local community members and platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook for guidance on health, education, employment, and general well-being. Unfortunately, the information available on these platforms may not always be accurate, leading to missed opportunities for personal growth and success. In some cases, misinformation can even push youth towards joining gangs, where they may become involved in drug use or sales.

To address these challenges, we implement holistic and culturally sensitive solutions to better support refugee and immigrant youth in accessing accurate information and resources as they adjust to their new surroundings.

Recruitment and Engagement

Identifying and recruiting eligible youth participants for the project, ensuring diversity in age, gender, ethnicity, and background.

Engaging participants through workshops, seminars, and community events to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment.

Educational Support

Conducting regular workshops for participants on topics such as health, education, safety, employment, and cultural integration to provide them with the knowledge and skills to differentiate between accurate information and misinformation. These workshops are delivered in partnership with refugee support networks.
Promoting media literacy skills among refugee and immigrant youth to empower them to critically evaluate the information they encounter online. This includes teaching them how to fact-check sources, identify biases, and understand different perspectives to enhance their resilience against misinformation.

Cultural Connection

Foster a sense of cultural pride and connection by incorporating our beneficiaries’ diverse backgrounds and languages into the learning process, creating an inclusive and supportive environment.

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“The support I received from RAA changed my life. I had a mentor who guided me through every challenge, and now I am pursuing my education.”

Fatima L.

participants