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Introduction/Overview


Services for Youth refer to comprehensive programs designed to meet the unique needs of refugee and displaced youth by offering education, vocational training, leadership development, and employment opportunities. At Refugee Pathways & Integration Canada (RefPIC), we empower youth by providing them with the tools, skills, and support necessary to thrive in their new communities. Our programs focus on creating safe spaces for youth engagement, encouraging their participation in community decision-making, and fostering a sense of leadership and responsibility.


Youth in refugee contexts face significant challenges, including disruption to education, limited access to employment opportunities, and difficulties in integrating into their host communities. Through our Services for Youth programs, we aim to equip young refugees with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to build successful futures and contribute to the development of their communities.


Our approach is guided by key international frameworks, including:


A Vision for Youth Empowerment


At Refugee Pathways & Integration Canada (RefPIC), we envision a future where refugee and displaced youth are empowered to take leadership roles in their communities, participate in decision-making, and achieve economic independence. Our vision is to provide youth with the skills, resources, and opportunities necessary to succeed in their new environments and contribute meaningfully to society.


We believe that by offering education, vocational training, employment pathways, and psychosocial support, we can help refugee youth overcome the challenges they face and build a foundation for self-reliance, leadership, and community engagement.


How We Deliver This Vision: Comprehensive Youth Services


RefPIC’s Services for Youth are designed to provide young refugees with a holistic support system that addresses their educational, emotional, and economic needs. Our programs are tailored to help youth build skills, develop leadership qualities, and create pathways to employment while ensuring they have the psychosocial support necessary for personal growth and resilience.


Key components of our Youth Services Programs include:


  • Youth Leadership Development: Empowering youth to take leadership roles through training, mentorship, and opportunities for community engagement.


  • Vocational Training and Skill Development: Offering practical training and skill-building programs to prepare youth for the workforce and future careers.


  • Education and Career Pathways: Ensuring access to formal education, scholarships, and career guidance to help youth achieve their educational and professional goals.


  • Psychosocial Support for Youth: Providing mental health support, counseling, and community-based programs to help youth overcome trauma and build emotional resilience.


  • Youth Engagement in Community Building: Encouraging youth participation in community development projects, decision-making processes, and civic initiatives.


Why Services for Youth Matter


Refugee and displaced youth often face significant barriers to education, employment, and community participation. Many have experienced disruptions to their education due to displacement, limiting their opportunities for future success. Additionally, youth can be vulnerable to exploitation, isolation, and psychosocial stress as they navigate the challenges of adapting to new environments.


Providing comprehensive youth services is essential for helping young refugees build resilience, develop the skills they need to thrive, and become active contributors to their communities. By empowering youth through education, leadership development, and vocational training, RefPIC helps ensure that refugee youth are equipped with the tools to overcome these barriers and succeed in life.


For host communities, investing in the empowerment of refugee youth promotes social cohesion, economic growth, and a more inclusive society that benefits from the diverse talents and perspectives that young refugees bring.


Looking Ahead: Expanding Services for Youth


As RefPIC continues to expand its Youth Services Programs, we are committed to providing young refugees with education, vocational training, and leadership development opportunities. By focusing on creating safe spaces for engagement and offering psychosocial support, we aim to help youth build resilience and achieve long-term success.


Our Triple Nexus Approach, which integrates humanitarian assistance, development, and peacebuilding, ensures that our youth programs not only address immediate needs but also contribute to the long-term self-reliance and community integration of refugee youth.


What We Aim to Achieve


Our primary goals in supporting refugee and displaced youth include:


  • Providing Leadership Development Opportunities: Empower youth to take on leadership roles in their communities through training, mentorship, and community engagement.


  • Facilitating Vocational Training and Skill Development: Equip youth with the practical skills needed for employment and career advancement.


  • Ensuring Access to Education and Career Pathways: Help youth achieve their educational goals through scholarships, career counseling, and access to formal education.


  • Offering Psychosocial Support: Provide mental health services, counseling, and support programs to help youth overcome trauma and build emotional resilience.


  • Encouraging Youth Engagement in Community Building: Promote active participation of youth in community decision-making, development projects, and civic activities.


How We Deliver Impact


  • Youth Leadership Development: RefPIC offers training and mentorship programs that empower youth to become leaders in their communities, fostering confidence and responsibility.


  • Vocational Training and Skill Development: We provide youth with hands-on training and practical skills that prepare them for employment in a range of industries.


  • Education and Career Pathways: Our programs ensure access to education, scholarships, and career opportunities for youth, helping them achieve their professional aspirations.


  • Psychosocial Support for Youth: We offer counseling, mental health services, and group activities to support the well-being of refugee youth and help them heal from past trauma.


  • Youth Engagement in Community Building: RefPIC encourages youth to take an active role in community development, promoting civic participation and contributing to social cohesion.


Who Benefits


  • Refugee and Displaced Youth: Youth benefit from access to education, vocational training, and leadership development opportunities, helping them build a brighter future.


  • Host Communities: Host communities benefit from the contributions of empowered youth who engage in community building and help strengthen social cohesion.


  • International Stakeholders: Governments, NGOs, and international organizations benefit from youth empowerment programs that promote peace, development, and economic stability for displaced populations.


Governance, Oversight, and Accountability


At Refugee Pathways & Integration Canada (RefPIC), we uphold the highest standards of governance, oversight, and accountability across all our programs. As a registered nonprofit, we operate in full compliance with the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act and adhere to guidelines set by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for charities. This ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with national laws.


In addition to federal compliance, RefPIC adheres to provincial nonprofit regulations where we operate, both within Canada and internationally. Where necessary, we incorporate separately in different jurisdictions to ensure we meet local legal requirements. This enables us to operate effectively across regions while maintaining the highest levels of accountability and legal compliance.


  • National and Provincial Compliance: RefPIC strictly follows Canadian laws governing nonprofit organizations, ensuring transparency, financial accountability, and ethical standards. By complying with federal and provincial nonprofit regulations, we meet all legal requirements in the regions we serve.


  • International Standards and Frameworks: RefPIC's work is further guided by international laws and frameworks that protect refugee rights and promote sustainable development. We align our programs with global best practices to ensure our initiatives serve refugees and displaced persons effectively.


  • Strong Accountability Practices: We collaborate with local, national, and international stakeholders to ensure responsible resource management and effective service delivery. Through regular evaluations, transparent reporting, and continuous improvement, RefPIC ensures that our programs meet the immediate needs of refugees while contributing to long-term sustainable outcomes.


For more details, visit our Governance, Oversight, and Accountability page to learn more about our commitment to ethical practices, program evaluation, and compliance with legal frameworks.


Get Involved/Call to Action


  • Support Youth Empowerment Programs: Advocate for the rights of refugee youth by supporting RefPIC’s initiatives in education, vocational training, and leadership development.


  • Volunteer: Offer your expertise in youth mentorship, education, or vocational training to help empower refugee youth.


  • Partner with Us: Collaborate with RefPIC to provide educational resources, training programs, and leadership opportunities for young refugees.


  • Donate: Your contributions help fund youth empowerment programs, ensuring that refugee youth have access to education, training, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Useful Resources (External Links)

  • UNICEF Youth Advocacy Guide: This guide from UNICEF provides strategies and tools to empower youth as advocates in their communities. It includes modules on leadership development, community engagement, and skills training for displaced youth. Access the guide


  • Youth Employment Toolkit for Refugees and Migrants: Developed by the International Labour Organization (ILO), this toolkit offers guidance on creating employment opportunities for young refugees and migrants through vocational training and support for job placement. Access the toolkit


  • Education for Refugee Youth: A Toolkit for Schools and Communities: This toolkit by UNHCR focuses on integrating refugee youth into educational systems and creating supportive environments that promote learning and social cohesion. Access the toolkit


  • Youth Empowerment and Leadership Toolkit: The Youth Empowerment and Leadership Guidebook provides best practices for developing youth empowerment programs, specifically tailored to support young refugees and displaced persons. Published by the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL), this guidebook focuses on skill-building, leadership development, and community engagement strategies that empower youth to take active roles in their communities. It includes practical tools for educators, community leaders, and program implementers working to foster resilience and leadership skills among young people in challenging contexts.

    Access the guidebook here: Youth Empowerment and Leadership Guidebook


  • Safe Spaces for Youth Toolkit: UNFPA’s toolkit offers guidance on establishing safe spaces for refugee youth, promoting mental health, resilience, and social cohesion. It includes practical steps for creating supportive environments for youth to express themselves and engage in community life. Access the toolkit





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