Kinyarwanda-Speaking Welcome Group Volunteer for Refugee Newcomers

About the Role

Together Project's Welcome Group Program matches volunteers with government-assisted refugee newcomers for social and integration support over a period of 3-6 months. Volunteers will have the opportunity to meet with, and empower, refugee newcomers to the community, helping them address specific priorities identified by their matched household. This program is delivered in collaboration with IRCOM (Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba).

Responsibilities

• Practice conversational English skills with newcomers
• Help newcomers access and navigate services, such as healthcare
• Assist with finding and applying to employment opportunities
• Support youth with school and extracurricular activities
• Socialize and help newcomers learn about Canada

Requirements

• Kinyarwanda-speaking
• Passionate about helping newcomers and making social connections
• Organized and sociable
• Culturally sensitive and patient
• Interested in social work, immigration, and/or settlement
• Open to using virtual communication tools (e.g., WhatsApp, Zoom)
• Able to commit to roughly 3-4 hours per month over a 3-6 month period
• Willing to undergo a criminal record check

Volunteers will be matched with refugee newcomer families based on availability, skills, location, shared interests, and family composition. Weekly interactions (online or in-person) are recommended.

Benefits

• Training, guidance, and interpretation/translation assistance provided
• Opportunity to gain experience in social work, immigration, and settlement
• Letter of reference upon completion

Location

Winnipeg (Assiniboine South, Downtown, Elmwood, Fort Garry, Inkster, Point Douglas, River East, River Heights, Seven Oaks, St. Boniface, St. James-Assiniboia, St. Vital, Transcona).

This opportunity is open to small groups, families, and friends. Preference for Kinyarwanda or Kirundi speakers.