CARA Empowering African Refugees in Canada: A Beacon of Hope

“To me, a home is where you feel loved, safe, and cherished.”- Malala Yousafzai.

On June 20th, 2024, the world will come together to mark International Refugee Day on the theme, “Our Home” - a global commemoration that holds special significance for the Canadian Association for African Refugees. As an organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for this resilient community, we are honored to shine a light on the experiences, needs, and inspiring stories of African refugees who have found safety and stability in Canada.

• International Refugee Day is an annual commemoration established by the United Nations in 2001 to raise awareness of the global refugee crisis. It is celebrated on June 20th annually.
• The theme for International Refugee Day 2024 focuses on the resilience and contributions of refugees, emphasizing their humanity and worth rather than just their status as displaced people.
• Canada has a long history of welcoming refugees from around the world, including a significant population of African refugees. International Refugee Day 2024 allows the Canadian Association for African Refugees (CARA) to shine a spotlight on this community.

African refugees in Canada often face unique challenges compared to other refugee populations, including:

• Language barriers, as many come from French or other non-English speaking countries in Africa.
• Cultural adjustment difficulties, having to adapt to Canadian norms and customs.
• Higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, despite having skills and qualifications.
• Trauma and mental health issues stemming from their experiences of conflict and displacement.
• Separation from family members still in Africa.
• Many African refugees arrive in Canada through government-assisted or privately sponsored refugee programs, requiring extensive support during the resettlement process.

Key needs of the African refugee community in Canada include:

• Culturally-competent mental health services and counseling.
• Accessible language classes and skills training programs.
• Employment assistance and entrepreneurship support.
• Family reunification services.
• Youth-focused initiatives to empower the next generation.

Despite these challenges, African refugees demonstrate remarkable resilience and make valuable contributions to Canadian society through their diverse talents, entrepreneurial spirit, and community involvement.