Digital Messaging Service for Afghan Newcomers
Refugee 613 is a communications organization created by a network of service providers, refugee sponsors and community volunteers. They provide their partners and the public with information, connection and inspiration to improve the welcome and integration of refugees.
They now have an exciting new tool available to help newly arrived refugees from Afghanistan, find information about life in Canada and local services using the popular digital messaging platform, Telegram.
Refugee 613 Information for life in Canada is a pilot project, funded by IRCC, to give newcomers complete and accurate information about life, events, opportunities and settlement services in Canada, to bring newcomers closer to the services that support their integration.
From the convenience of their phone, users can ask questions related to health, employment, language and other services, which will be answered by our expert moderator. Newcomers can also ask questions privately, by messaging the moderator directly. This service is delivered in Dari and Pashto.
More than 100 newcomers have already joined the national group, and Refugee 613 is answering their questions and sharing news about childcare, training opportunities, employment and other services, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 pm EST. You are invited to promote it with your Dari- Pashto-speaking clients.
What can this service do for you and your clients?
- The more opportunities your clients have to find basic information quickly and easily, the more time you can spend on supporting their more complex needs. Encourage them to join the group by sending a message by text or Telegram to 613 301 6990
- The Telegram group is an excellent vehicle for promoting your services directly to your target audience. Send details of any events or services you would like to promote to Zahra Khawari, our Digital Project Coordinator, afghanservice@refugee613.ca
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Zahra (afghanservice@refugee613.ca), as she is happy to join your team meeting to explain more about their service.
