Swahili-Speaking Welcome Group Volunteer for Refugee Newcomers

OverviewTogether Project connects government-assisted refugees and refugee claimants with volunteers to build stronger, more integrated communities in Winnipeg. Our Welcome Group Program serves newcomers facing challenges to successful integration, including language and culture barriers, health issues, unemployment, and social isolation. Volunteers support priorities identified by matched households, helping newcomers get to know the community and build social connections. Together Project is a charitable initiative of the MakeWay Shared Platform and is supported by evidence-based program evaluation and research to inform and improve impact.Volunteer Opportunity DetailsVolunteer Opportunity ID: 6052Description of DutiesAs featured in The Globe & Mail and the CBC, Together Project\'s Welcome Group Program matches volunteers with refugee newcomers for social and integration support over a period of 3-6 months. Volunteers will meet with and empower refugee newcomers to participate in the community. The program is delivered in collaboration with IRCOM (Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba).Skills RequiredSwahili-speakingpassionate about helping newcomers and making social connectionsorganizedsociableculturally sensitivepatientinterested in social work, immigration, and/or settlementopen to using virtual communication tools (e.g. WhatsApp, Zoom, etc.)Skills Gained / Related CareersVolunteers will be assigned to Welcome Groups and matched with refugee newcomer families based on availability, location, shared interests, and family composition. Over 3-6 months, volunteers work together to address the identified priorities, building connections over time. As a volunteer, you can help newcomers with:practicing conversational English skillsaccessing and navigating services (e.g., healthcare)finding and applying to employment opportunitiessupporting youth with school and extracurricular activitiessocializing and helping newcomers learn about CanadaTrainingTogether Project provides volunteers with training, guidance, and interpretation/translation assistance to maximize impact.Eligibility & CommitmentAge: 18-30, 31-54, 55+Time Commitment: Micro Volunteering, Flexible Hours. Typically about 3-4 hours per month over a 3-6 month period; interactions can be online or in-person.Time is flexible and shared among group members; activities are divided according to availability, interests, and expertise.Note: Volunteer interest often exceeds available opportunities; responses may take time.How to Apply & ContactOnce your application is accepted, a staff member will contact you via email to arrange an interview. For questions, contact:Jennilee Austria, Communications and Program Outreach Specialistjennilee@togetherproject.caLocation & AvailabilityLocation of volunteer opportunity: Winnipeg, with access to the following areas:Assiniboine SouthDowntownElmwoodFort GarryInksterPoint DouglasRiver EastRiver HeightsSeven OaksSt. BonifaceSt. James-AssiniboiaSt. VitalTransconaAdditional DetailsDoes opportunity require a criminal record check? YesWill cost be reimbursed? NoDoes opportunity require a child abuse registry check? NoOpportunity is available to groups (small, family and friends) and Swahili-speaking candidatesOrganization will provide: a letter of reference, supervision, training/orientationAddress: B Suite 511, 428 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 0E2 (Suite 511, 428 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3C 0E2)Please note our team works a hybrid model; appointments are highly encouraged as we are not always in the office.Volunteer Manitoba acknowledges the original lands and ongoing stewardship of Indigenous peoples whose territories we work on and commits to reconciliation and collaboration in partnership with Indigenous communities. #J-18808-Ljbffr