1. PIRS "Pop Up" program for Syrian refugee Children & Families
Syrian Refugee children playing
Thanks to generous gifts
from donors, PIRS operated
a pop up drop in and ESL
conversation group at the
Muslim Association of
Canada from March to June.
A partnership with ISSofBC,
Frog Hollow, Collingwood &
Mount Pleasant
Neighbourhood Houses,
the main focus was to
provide creative
programming for Syrian
refugees living in temporary
housing. The project
served 160 children aged 1 -
12 and 43 adults .
Program staff used
photographic documentary
approaches to develop a
“vocabulary” to reflect on
the children’s experiences without a lot of language in common. Through sensorial activities the
children were given the opportunity to process their trauma and settlement experience in Canada.
While the children explored different activities, parents participated in “Conversation Circles” where
they practiced English with a BC TEAL volunteer. PIRS also provided an Arabic staff member to talk
with families about life in Canada.
PIRS was honoured to be able to support families living in temporary housing. The families
were enthusiastic, engaged and eager to be part of Canadian society. We want to thank all of our
generous staff, partners and volunteers for being part of this very exciting project.