Supporting the arrival of Afghanistan refugees in Nova Scotia

September 8, 2021

The news from Afghanistan is heartbreaking.  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and settlement agencies across Canada are responding to this evolving and tragic situation and are supporting the arrival of Afghanistan refugees to Canada. ISANS, as a Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) provider, is involved in this work and we are preparing for arrivals to Nova Scotia. We will be engaging with community members and partners as we work to safely and compassionately settle refugees from Afghanistan. ISANS has long-standing experience and expertise responding to major resettlement initiatives, such as welcoming arrivals from Kosovo and Syria. However, ISANS recognizes that each resettlement initiative is unique, and that it will require specialized care and attention. In Nova Scotia, we are also welcoming refugees from many other areas of the world as international borders open again and people are able to travel.

Here are the following ways you can stay informed and support refugees in our community:

Donations

ISANS is accepting monetary donations for its Refugee Emergency Fund. The fund supports newly-arrived refugees, including Afghan citizens who may arrive in our community in the coming months, with urgent special and/or emergency needs in situations where the costs are not eligible for government funding.

ISANS will provide a tax receipt for donations greater than $20. Please provide your full name, accurate address and contact information when you make a donation and require a tax receipt. We are not accepting physical donations, such as furniture or clothing.

Please visit our webpage for further details on how to donate: https://www.old.isans.ca/about/making-a-donation/

Volunteer Opportunities

We are actively recruiting for the following volunteer positions:

  • Canada Connects Match
  • EAL Tutor/Conversation Circle
  • Recreation Navigator

If you are interested in registering for a volunteer orientation, please visit http://www.old.isans.ca/get-involved/become-a-volunteer.

Our volunteer roles support the needs of newcomers we are working with. Registering to assist as a volunteer benefits everyone involved.

Refugee Sponsorship

For further information on the Afghanistan resettlement program and who is eligible, please visit:  Supporting vulnerable Afghans – Canada.ca

At this time, ISANS is not accepting new applications for private refugee sponsorship as all of our sponsorship placements are filled.

For general information on sponsoring a refugee from overseas, please visit the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program website www.rstp.ca and look at ISANS list of FAQs on refugee sponsorship www.old.isans.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/PRS_FAQs.pdf. For more details and resources, visit www.old.isans.ca/get-involved/private-refugee-sponsorship.

Stay informed by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram

For further information on the Canadian government’s response please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/afghanistan/wizard.html

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