Since Aug. 2021, Canada has welcomed 3,800 school-aged Afghan children. As the school year ends, the IRCC has announced that settlement service workers across the country have supported Afghan children settling into the education system.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn in a safe environment and pursue their dreams to the fullest. These outstanding programs are making a real difference in the lives of Afghan youth by helping them settle in their classrooms and welcoming them with open arms, so that they can thrive in their new communities. We will continue to work tirelessly with all our partners to ensure their success as they adjust to their new life in Canada.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“Working with Afghan refugees has been a job that has been very fulfilling and rewarding as a SWIS worker. Schools have put in extra effort to make sure the students have what they need to learn, play and participate, just like their classmates. It has been challenging and time-consuming as SWIS works through a multitude of barriers, such as language, cultural differences, mental health struggles, transportation, finances, programming, winter clothing, electronics for learning and so on. Overall, the families and schools have been extremely appreciative of the work I do as their SWIS worker, and I could not do it without the support of our interpreters.”
Stephanie April, SWIS worker in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Quick facts
- SWIS is a school-based initiative under the Settlement Program aimed at integrating newcomer youth and their parents and guardians into the Canadian education system. SWIS services are also provided to school staff to encourage cultural competence and raise awareness of newcomer needs and supports.
- Surrey, B.C., with 130 elementary and high schools, is home to the largest and most diverse school district in the province. It serves about 10,000 clients annually, and is the core settlement support to English language learners.
- This past June 20, World Refugee Day, Minister Fraser announced a contribution agreement with Kids Help Phone to provide counselling services for Afghan and Ukrainian youth in Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian and Russian.
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