Who we serve
Newcomers from East Africa
Our program supports newcomers from East African countries who have been resettled in Canada as refugees.
Request supportOur work in Canada
A friendly face. Practical support. A stronger sense of belonging.
We match newcomers from East Africa with volunteers who offer practical, one-to-one support as they settle into life in Canada, at no cost to participants.
Settling in
- Housing
- Transportation
- Schools
- Health care
- Banking
- Appointments
- Local services
- Community groups
- Language support
Building peace
- Dialogue
- Belonging
- Inclusion
- Social cohesion
- Peaceful coexistence
The challenge
A new country means learning many things at once
Starting life in a new country can mean learning unfamiliar systems, adjusting to a different climate, and communicating in a new language—all at once.
Services and information are available, but finding the right support and understanding where to begin can be difficult.
Having someone who listens, understands your language, and helps you find your way can make a real difference.
What we do
One-to-one support, shaped around you
We match newcomers from East Africa who join our program with a volunteer who provides one-to-one support. Depending on each person’s needs and volunteer availability, support may include:
Settling in
Understanding everyday systems related to housing, transportation, schools, health care, banking, and other daily needs.
Navigating daily life
Preparing for appointments, understanding letters and notices, and finding the right services.
Building connections
Discovering community groups, activities, cultural networks, faith communities, and neighbourhood resources.
Finding support
Identifying local organizations and public services that may be able to help.
Communicating with confidence
Accessing language support in East African languages, depending on volunteer availability.
- 6volunteers mobilized to support newcomers
- 15+East African languages in which our volunteers provide support
Figures reflect the impact VPEACE has reported to date.
How it works
From first message to lasting connections
Reach out
Tell us a little about yourself and the support you are looking for.
Get matched
We try to match you with a volunteer based on your language and needs.
Meet your volunteer
Discuss your priorities and agree on practical goals together.
Build your network
Explore useful services, activities, and community connections.
Stay in touch
We follow up to understand whether the support is helping.
What we offer
Support at no cost to you
- One-to-one volunteer support
- Language assistance, subject to availability
- Connections to local communities and services
- Support at no cost to participants
Peace and dialogue in Canada
Bringing newcomers and host communities together
We also organize social cohesion and dialogue activities that bring newcomers and host communities together. These activities create opportunities to listen, share experiences, build understanding, and strengthen peaceful coexistence.
Join the program
Looking for support, or ready to offer it?
Newcomers can ask to be matched with a volunteer. Volunteers can share their time, skills, and languages to help someone feel at home.