Bengali and/or Rohingya-Speaking Welcome Group Volunteer for Refugee Newcomers
Together Project connects government-assisted refugees referred by IRCOM (Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba) with volunteers to build stronger, more integrated communities in Winnipeg. Our Welcome Group Program serves newcomers who face significant challenges to successful integration, including language and culture barriers, health issues, unemployment, and lack of social connections.
About the role
As 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 empower refugee newcomers to the community, working together to address priorities identified by their matched household. This program is delivered in collaboration with IRCOM.
Responsibilities
- Practicing conversational English skills with newcomers
- Helping newcomers access and navigate services, such as healthcare
- Assisting with finding and applying to employment opportunities
- Supporting youth with school and extracurricular activities
- Socializing and helping newcomers learn about Canada
Requirements
- Bengali and/or Rohingya speaking
- Passionate about helping newcomers and making social connections
- Organized, sociable, and culturally sensitive
- Patient and interested in social work, immigration, and/or settlement
- Open to using virtual communication tools (e.g., WhatsApp, Zoom)
- Available for a 3-6 month commitment
- Willing to undergo a criminal record check
Benefits
- Training, guidance, and interpretation/translation assistance provided
- Opportunity to receive a letter of reference
- Supervision and support throughout the program
Schedule
Flexible hours, with a recommended weekly interaction (3-4 hours per month) between Welcome Groups and matched newcomer families. Activities can take place online or in-person, and responsibilities are shared among group members.
Volunteer opportunities are available in the following Winnipeg neighborhoods: Assiniboine South, Downtown, Elmwood, Fort Garry, Inkster, Point Douglas, River East, River Heights, Seven Oaks, St. Boniface, St. James-Assiniboia, St. Vital, and Transcona.