FreeRunning for Older Refugee Youth

Older refugee youth often experience multiple barriers to settlement in Canada and find it difficult to adjust to Canadian life and culture, learn practical English, complete high school and further their education, make successful transitions to the workforce and fulfill their life goals.

We've created an innovative, adaptable program tailored to the specific needs of newcomer refugee youth. It’s deeply rooted in an understanding of the refugee experience and of the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to succeed personally and vocationally in Canada.

Our dynamic and nurturing youth workers work with program participants for up to one year to help them deal with complex settlement problems, prepare for and access education and training, develop knowledge, skills and experience necessary for beginning a career in Canada, explore their dreams, ambitions and interests, and develop confidence and emotional well-being.

Unlike traditional settlement services, our youth workers are mobile. They go to public spaces where youth feel comfortable. We also work closely with interpreters and can provide services in most languages.
 
Eligibility
We accept refugee youth aged between 18 and 25 who are permanent residents of Canada, have lived in Canada for less than five years, and are not in full-time schooling or training. Youth must demonstrate commitment to access certain program components, particularly financial assistance. Our staff work closely with program participants to encourage this.
 
Program Highlights
FreeRunning has a wide range of adaptable components delivered in individual and group settings which are outlined below.

Please note that class schedules and materials covered vary in response to the needs of program participants in any given year. Please contact our program coordinator for up-to-date information.
 
1 - Tailored settlement support
We conduct in-depth assessments to understand program participants, assist them in dealing with complex settlement problems, and support life skills development through interactive workshops and field trips.

2 - Development of soft skills and emotional well-being
Soft skills are critical to success in Canada and emotional well-being and self awareness are necessary to develop and apply these skills successfully. We draw on a range of experiential and reflective group activities to foster this. Activities include popular theatre, outdoor education, sports and recreation, guided relaxation using visual imagery and breathing exercises, as well as growing food at our Ladybug Community Garden plot (which also supports food security).

3 - Preparation for building a Canadian career

• Customized career plans
  Our staff work collaboratively with youth to weigh up career options and make wise decisions. Action plans are created for all program participants and these focus on short and longer term goals built upon individual needs, interests, backgrounds and responsibilities.
• Learning on-the-job through supervised group volunteering
  Youth volunteer together in small groups for 10 weeks. Our youth workers provide on-site training in workplace skills and lead reflective discussions to consolidate learning. This component is the first of its kind in Canada.
• Individual work experience placements
  Where possible, we find targeted work experience placements for youth that may lead to ongoing employment. Youth workers visit youth onsite regularly and liaise with supervisors to support learning and competency in the workplace.
• Basic vocational training in first language
  We provide interpretation support in multiple languages to prepare for Food Safe and World Host training courses.
• Financial assistance
  For youth who demonstrate strong commitment to FreeRunning, financial assistance can be negotiated to remove barriers to education, training and work.

4 - Supported referral
We offer supported referral to access other services, such as ELSA, adult high school, vocational training, job-search courses and other youth programs. Our youth workers often accompany youth to appointments and liaise with other service workers to ensure successful transitions are made.
 
Why the name FreeRunning?
Our program is inspired by freerunning, a kind of street gymnastics for urban youth. It involves running, jumping and climbing over everyday objects like stairs and park benches. Think James Bond in the opening scene of Casino Royale! Free runners view obstacles as opportunities. They value the journey as much as the goal. They experiment and they follow their own rhythm to create unique paths in community with others.

This philosophy underpins our program for older refugee youth. By becoming symbolic free runners in their own lives, participants are encouraged to dream, learn, grow and overcome barriers to settlement in Canada.

Download Information: 

Program Brochure in English