Service and Programme
Refugee
Afghan Association of Ontario (AAO) under the settlement program in the past thirty one (31) years of experiences foster collaboration with government and non-governmental organizations. Likewise, the Association sponsored more than 22,000 refugees as part of the Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH). Also throughout these years, AAO has provided settlement services to nearly 80% directly and indirectly the Afghan nationals that have entered or likely entered across Canada to Ontario for resettlement. Our services have been consist of empowerment of women and youth, and employment opportunities. As a reliable partner of CIC, AAO received government funding/grants for refugee settlement services from 1987-2010. This has been mostly through the visions of Liberal Government immigration policies.
Ultimately, to help develop responsible and productive citizens to further enrich both the Afghan community in Ontario and the multi-cultural mosaic of the Province. Following are the Immigrant Settlement & Adaption Program that AAO has accomplished.
- 1) Provided information to individuals regarding coming to Canada as a sponsored refugee.
- 2) Provided information and support to family wishing to sponsor a refugee individual and/or family
- 3) Provided information on various categories of sponsorship and the responsibilities of the sponsor and refugee.
- 4) Briefed information on sponsorship by laws, application process and obstacle that hinder the sponsorship.
- 5) Has successfully onboard and regularly met newcomers upon arrival in Canada and provided them with information (in both official language and other languages, as required), on services and resources to help meet their immediate needs.
Accomplishments:
Since 2011 to present, AAO has processed (592) cases refugees/immigrants with CIC. 90% of which will be arriving to Canada sooner no later.
Afghan Woman Support Program
AAO managed to provide programs that focus on the empowerment of women by promoting the equality of women socially, economically, culturally and politically. Afghan Women Support Program has widely supported and availed services to women having interest in exploring and enhancing their personal growth. Since 2013, AAO has managed to reach the marginalized and vulnerable Afghan Canadian Women and built their skills and capacities, and empowered them to participate in the mainstream society and contribute to the social, political, economic and cultural life, accordingly. In addition, AAO has developed self-esteemed, confidence and promoted a sense of belonging among the isolated and at-risk women from all dimensions. We have also managed to create women support system, ensured sustainable support for the Afghan Canadian women to manage their life by being empowered to be self-sustained and sufficient.
Accomplishments:
Since 2011-present, AAO has extended full-fledged support to 280 women’s program and development direct and indirect. Our programs have been covered and implemented with the cooperation of the volunteers of the community.
Volunteer and TV Broadcasting Program Assistance
The AAO TV Program, broadcasting through Free-to-Air (FTA) satellite, is designed specifically for community news relevant to its newcomer audience and promotion of its services and programs. The program airs twice a week for one hour (Fridays 9-10pm, Saturdays 10-11am). Program contents focuses on key settlement issues such as housing, health, education, employment, families, life in Canada, and services in the community. The program is televised in Pashto, Dari, Farsi, and English. Settlement Information Sessions are recorded in Pashto, Dari and Chinese for broadcasting on this station.
The AAO TV Program, broadcasting through Free-to-Air (FTA) satellite, is designed specifically for community news relevant to its newcomer audience and promotion of its services and programs. The program airs twice a week for one hour (Fridays 9-10pm, Saturdays 10-11am). Program contents focuses on key settlement issues such as housing, health, education, employment, families, life in Canada, and services in the community. The program is televised in Pashto, Dari, Farsi, and English. Settlement Information Sessions are recorded in Pashto, Dari and Chinese for broadcasting on this station.
Accomplishments
AAO managed to broadcast FTA programs four times a month, 50 times a year. Despite the shortage of funding, due to great demand from the viewers, AAO has continued the broadcasting of the TV since 2011 to date, promptly.
Senior Program Services
AAO Seniors Program aims to assist seniors and find innovative ways for seniors to continue to play an important role in the community. AAO Seniors Program runs by seniors for seniors. The program has provided peer support, networking, social engagement, information, counselling, referrals, workshops and group sessions on elder abuse, health, financial, and other topics of interests to seniors. Likewise, this program has permitted older adults to transfer vital skills amongst their own peer groups and foster increased community engagement and positive adaptation to excel transitions in their livelihoods.
Accomplishments
Since 2011 to present, AAO has provided utmost support to more than 300 senior citizens who are currently residing in Ontario, Canada. Mostly these assistance have been covered in the greater Toronto areas. Our programs have been covered and implemented with the cooperation of the volunteers of the community.
Youth empowerment Program
The program gears towards fostering cultural awareness and improved integration of at-risk community youth. The focus of the program has been on youth development and youth leadership and disability-related components necessary for youth to participate fully in all aspects of their lives and society. Through this program, AAO has managed to establish Youth Café, and empowers youth to be given the opportunity to get-together regularly to participate in youth activities, network with other youths and share their views on many heated discussion topics including, prevention/eradication of crime, use of drugs, violence and professionally career-building by sharing of experience and knowledge of other well-established youths.
Since 2014, many Young Afghan professionals have migrated to Canada due to many reasons including insecurity, life-risk, economic challenges and other factors. These young professionals are willing to contribute their skills, talent and expertise to the community. AAO is planning to organize a networking events/opportunity to further avail employment, training and community awareness programs for these young energetic professionals.
Language training program assistance has always been one of the most significant tools to empower the newcomers and youth refugees to be able to get along the new society and community effectively. AAO through its very professional volunteers managed to provide liable and productive language training programs for newly arrived youth, and enable them to overcome their daily communication and interactions with other core-community members.
Accomplishments
2011-present, through our youth programs, we have covered more than 10,000 youths direct and indirect (TV programs, advocacy, Café, short-term trainings, events and programs). Our programs have been covered and implemented with the cooperation of the volunteers of the community.
Student Placement program
AAO is one of the oldest organizations throughout the years provided settlement and integration services to newcomers. AAO is also one of the leading non-profit organizations that provided student placement and co-op opportunities to students. We have been very selective and has outlooked those students with enormous learning and excelling education background. We have trained and educated the eligible students based on the following criteria:
Submit an application with resume;
- Selected the best for interview with a panel of representatives from AAO management/board of directors;
- On completion of the placements, AAO has required the placement students to write complete feedback report and submit to the management of AAO;
- Certificates of completion along-with recommendation letters have been issued to the volunteers.
Accomplishments
Since 2011-present, AAO has covered around 10 students under our student summer job projects, and 19 outside the project, accordingly. These students have been fully trained and skilled, likewise they were technically assisted to job seeking or employment opportunities.
