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Skills for Change’s Spotlight Series is hosted by our CEO, Surranna Sandy and is focused on taking an in-depth look at the relevant issues of today and seeing how to address the gaps as well as coming together to provide collective solutions as a community. Past sessionshave featured discussions on COVID-19’s impact on women and immigration and Anti-Black Racism – with expert guest speakers and thought leaders.

As we know, the Syrian refugee crisis in 2015-2017 changed the Canadian resettlement landscape. With the blended private asylum program including private sponsorship, government assisted resettlement, Blended Visa programme and special class of refugee claimants, there were increased challenges in settling, navigating systems, and finding suitable work, particularly with women and youth. One study states that of a sample population of Syrian women, only one quarter found work – mostly precarious, low skilled and low waged jobs. Another study conducted with service providers in Waterloo indicated that 2-3 years post arrival, Syrian youth were still early in the settlement and reintegration process, despite their efforts and the efforts of service providers.

In this Spotlight Series, we will take deep dive into the lessons learned from the Syrian refugee crisis – what worked, what didn’t work, to guide us on what needs to be done to resettle the Afghan refugees so that they have the right resources to become better and quickly integrated into Canadian society and into the Canadian economy.

Our speakers include:

Dr. Wendy Cukier, Professor, Entrepreneurship and Strategy, Ted Rogers School of Management, Director, Diversity Institute

Sara Asalya, Refugee Rights Advocate, Founder and Executive Director, The Newcomer Students’ Association and Senior Manager of Programs and Strategic Initiatives, Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto

Adeena Niazi, Executive Director : Afghan Women’s Organization