The Tamil Eelam Society has had the privilege to partner with New Horizons: Healing and Hope Coalition to have two of our staff trained to run a youth group program for immigrant and refugee youth who were exposed to war and political conflict in their countries of origin and experienced the pre-and post-migration process.  This program was initiated as adolescents in communities were significantly challenged by the resettlement and integration process. Some of the concerns were that too many immigrant and refugee youth were dropping out of school, becoming involved in substance abuse, and gangs and ending up in the child welfare, children’s mental health, and youth justice systems.

      Many youth from refugee and immigrant communities have directly or indirectly witnessed war or political conflict, violence, political oppression and/or torture. Almost no services in Toronto existed to help them deal with the traumatizing effects of their experiences. The Youth Group sessions were developed as a response to this need and is funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

      The youth group runs for 12 weeks, 2 hours every Wednesday, beginning January 6, 2010. The session will run from 5p.m to 7p.m and snacks will be provided.  Participants will receive 24 volunteer hours, a letter of participation and eligible participants will also receive TTC tickets to attend the weekly sessions. The location for the youth program will be 1160 Birchmount Road, Unit 2A (Birchmount and Crouse Road).  Participants must be a convention refugee or permanent resident. 

The goals of the Youth Group Program

• Facilitate healing from trauma for youth directly or indirectly affected by war or political conflict and pre- and post-migration

• Empower youth with an understanding of emotional reactions to trauma, and help them develop strategies to better cope with feelings and stressful situations;

• Promote wellness and resiliency among youth, improving their quality of life;

The topics covered in each session are:

Session 1: Group introduction

Session 2: Migration

Session 3: Resettling in Canada

Session 4: Stress Management

Session 5: War and Political Conflict

Session 6: Conflict Resolution

Session 7: Families

Session 8: Dealing with Anger

Session 9: Identity, Race, and Culture

Session 10: Relationships

Session 11: Self-Esteem

Session 12: Ending 

Kavita Bala

Selvy's Cirlce Coordinator

705 Progress Ave., Unit 40

Scarborough, ON

M1H2X1

Tel: 416 431 4100

Fax: 416 431 4150

website: www.cantyd.org

Email:kavita@cantyd.org