YWCA Settlement Services Transforms Lives for Refugees in Prince Albert

UPDATE: YWCA Settlement Services in Prince Albert is urgently changing the lives of refugees arriving in Canada, offering critical support as families from around the world seek stability after years of waiting in camps. The organization, led by manager Carolyn Hobden, is on the front lines, helping newcomers make the transition to their new home.

In an inspiring initiative triggered by the recent Camp Hope exhibit, the YWCA team emphasizes what comes next for refugees. “Our role is to help them start fresh,” Hobden stated, noting that many new arrivals come directly from camps where they spent years in limbo. The center assists families from countries like Somalia and Syria, meeting them at the airport and guiding them through essential first steps, including housing and language classes.

Language barriers remain a significant challenge for many refugees. To combat this, the YWCA provides full-time language classes and conversation sessions with local volunteers. “Our staff speak nearly 20 languages and dialects,” Hobden shared. This linguistic diversity ensures that newcomers are greeted in their native languages, fostering an immediate sense of belonging.

The YWCA also operates the Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) program, which supports children and families in navigating a new educational landscape. Ruth Kwizera, a SWIS worker who once lived in the Tongogara Refugee Camp in Zimbabwe, understands the struggles her students face. “The school system here is completely different,” Kwizera explained. “We help students understand how to adapt and find confidence in this new environment.”

As part of the SWIS initiative, YWCA workers visit schools bi-weekly and organize activities for newcomer youth. Soccer is a universal language, bringing children together and fostering friendships. “Everybody who arrives loves to play soccer,” Hobden remarked, highlighting the importance of community-building through shared interests.

Moreover, the YWCA collaborates with health clinics, dentists, and daycare centers to ease the everyday challenges faced by newcomer families. Community volunteers play a crucial role, assisting with grocery shopping, conversation practice, and providing companionship. Events like ‘Hope away from Home’ showcase the community’s commitment to supporting refugees. “When people come here and hear these stories, it puts a face to the word refugee,” Hobden said. “It changes how we see one another.”

The sense of community in Prince Albert has proven essential for building a welcoming environment. “When people come to events like Camp Hope, it puts a face to the word refugee,” Hobden emphasized. “You’re more willing to help when you can read someone’s background story.”

As YWCA Settlement Services continues to grow, the immediate need for support and understanding is more significant than ever. The organization’s work not only transforms lives but also enriches the local community, paving the way for a more inclusive future.

Stay tuned for more updates as YWCA Settlement Services continues to make a profound impact on the lives of refugees in Prince Albert.