Category: Publication

  • Building Belonging: Why Refugee Integration Matters

    Building Belonging: Why Refugee Integration Matters

    Every day, refugees arrive in Alberta carrying hope, resilience, and the desire to build a new life in safety. But starting over isn’t easy, and integration is key to success.

     Integration isn’t just about finding a job or learning English. It’s about:
    ✔️ Feeling safe and accepted
    ✔️ Accessing education and healthcare
    ✔️ Being part of the community
    ✔️ Having a voice in local life

    At PROSDOMA, we work hand-in-hand with newcomers to support their journey, while also working with communities to create spaces of understanding, opportunity, and inclusion.

    Together, we can build stronger, more vibrant communities where everyone feels at home.

     Want to help? Volunteer or simply share this message to spread awareness.

    #RefugeesWelcome #Alberta #integrationmatters #StrongerTogether #SupportNewcomers
    NN

  • Navigating New Lives: Why Service Literacy Matters for Newcomers

    Navigating New Lives: Why Service Literacy Matters for Newcomers

    Starting a life in a new country isn’t just about finding a job or a home—it’s also about understanding how to access support in your new environment. But here’s the challenge: many newcomers struggle with what researchers now call Immigrant Settlement Services Literacy (ISSL) 

      What is ISSL?
    It’s the ability to know, understand, access, and navigate settlement services effectively—everything from healthcare to housing, education, and employment support.

      A recent international review found that language barriers are the biggest obstacle for newcomers trying to access services. This affects their wellbeing and slows their integration.

      The research grouped services into:
    Health services
    Settlement & legal support
    Language and information access
    Social support services

    Only 32% of studies identified ways to enable access—meaning we still have a long way to go in making services more inclusive and easier to understand.

      At PROSDOMA, we believe that increasing ISSL is essential to building a successful future in Canada. That’s why we:
     Provide basic computer training
     Connect newcomers to housing, food banks, and job support
     Help with legal aid and immigration paperwork
     Offer information in accessible, friendly ways

    We’re committed to reducing structural barriers and empowering newcomers with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive.

      If you’re new to Alberta or supporting someone who is, let PROSDOMA be your guide to navigating life in Canada with confidence.
      Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666558121000300#sec0028
    #NewToCanada #SettlementSupport #ImmigrantServices #LanguageAccess #CommunitySupport #CanadaNewcomers #PROSDOMA #IntegrationMatters #EqualAccess #SocialInclusion

  • What Makes People Leave Their Homes? Understanding the Root Causes of Migration

    What Makes People Leave Their Homes? Understanding the Root Causes of Migration

    Migration is more than movement — it’s a story of survival, dreams, and the pursuit of a better future. ✨

    Across the globe, millions of people migrate every year. But why do they leave everything behind? The answer lies in four major root causes — push and pull factors that shape lives and destinies:

      Safety Factors: Many flee their homes due to war, persecution, or organized violence. In regions like the Northern Triangle (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador), gang violence and lawlessness force families to seek safer ground.

      Economic Factors: Poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunity drive people to migrate to areas with higher wages and job availability. As economies improve or decline, so do migration patterns — as seen in Mexican migration trends to the U.S.

     ️ Environmental Factors: Natural disasters, pollution, and climate change displace millions. From Haiti’s devastating earthquake to prolonged droughts in Syria, environmental crises fuel migration, often leaving communities vulnerable and unsupported.

      Social Factors: Education, healthcare, and better living standards motivate people to move. Migrants want to build a better life for their children, access life-saving treatment, or pursue career growth.

    At PROSDOMA, we see the people behind these statistics. We support newcomers in Alberta with essential services like legal aid, job assistance, and access to shelters. 
    Let’s continue building a world where no one is left behind — whether in Canada or across the globe.

      Want to support or learn more about how PROSDOMA is helping migrants and refugees? Reach out today!

    Source: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://justiceforimmigrants.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Root-Causes.pdf

    #migrationmatters #climatechange #socialimpact #economicjustice #refugeestories #newcomersupport #canadaimmigration #prosdoma #saferefuge #sustainabledevelopment.

    AC.

  • Why Do People Migrate? Unpacking the Real Reasons Behind Migration

    Why Do People Migrate? Unpacking the Real Reasons Behind Migration

    Migration isn’t just about crossing borders — it’s about people seeking safety, dignity, and opportunity.

    Around the world, people leave their homes due to a mix of push and pull factors:

      Social and Political Causes
    War, persecution, and human rights violations force individuals to flee their countries. In 2022, over 384,000 asylum seekers were granted protection in the EU — many from Syria, Afghanistan, and Venezuela.

      Economic and Demographic Factors
    Lack of jobs, poor working conditions, and economic instability are major drivers of migration. In contrast, higher wages, better living standards, and education attract migrants to more stable nations.

      Environmental Pressures
    Climate change is now one of the fastest-growing causes of migration. Floods, droughts, and natural disasters displace millions — and estimates suggest that by 2050, up to 1 billion people could become environmental migrants.

      At PROSDOMA, we know that migration is not a choice for many — it’s a necessity. That’s why we work every day to support newcomers in Alberta by providing legal aid, job search assistance, computer training, and more.

    We also raise awareness about the deeper causes of migration and advocate for policies that are fair, sustainable, and compassionate.

      Let’s build a community where no one is left behind — whether they come from conflict zones, climate-affected regions, or economic hardship.

    ➡️ Join PROSDOMA in supporting migrants, raising awareness, and creating lasting change.

    Source: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20200624STO81906/exploring-migration-causes-why-people-migrate

    #MigrationMatters #WhyPeopleMigrate #ClimateMigration #HumanRights #RefugeeSupport #ProsdomaforChange #InclusiveCommunities #SustainableDevelopment #SocialJustice #NewcomerSupport

    AC

  • Searching for a Job as a Newcomer? You’re Not Alone! 

    Searching for a Job as a Newcomer? You’re Not Alone! 

    Starting a new life in Canada is exciting but finding a job can be challenging. Thankfully, there are incredible organizations across the country designed to help newcomers like you succeed.  ✨

    Here are just a few of the many employment support programs available:

    ✅ YMCA – Their Newcomer Information Centre offers job search resources and training.  

    ✅ MOSAIC (Vancouver) – Provides fast-track programs into trades and manufacturing.  

    ✅ CCIS (Calgary) – From mentorship to skills development, they’ve got your back.  

    ✅ EMCN (Edmonton) – Tailored support to navigate Alberta’s job market.  

    ✅ ISANS (Nova Scotia) – Helps immigrants with job matching and networking.  

    ✅ Skills for Change & COSTI (Toronto) – Great for professionals needing Canadian work experience.  

    ✅ IWIP – Empowers immigrant women through leadership and job-readiness programs.

    At PROSDOMA, we guide you toward these services and more. Whether you’re looking to build your resume, connect with job opportunities, or improve your skills, we’re here for you.  

      We also help with food access, legal aid, and computer literacy to support every part of your settlement journey.

    Let PROSDOMA be your compass in Canada. Reach out today—we’re here to help you thrive!

      Source: https://pressbooks.openeducationalberta.ca/settlement/chapter/2/.

    #NewcomerSupport #JobSearchCanada #PROSDOMA #SettlementHelp #ImmigrantSuccess #CanadaJobs #SupportForNewcomers #CommunitySupport #AlbertaNewcomers #WorkInCanada

    AC

  • Plastic Waste in Canada: We Have a Long Way to Go!

    Plastic Waste in Canada: We Have a Long Way to Go!

    Despite efforts like the Canada-wide Strategy on Zero Plastic Waste, Canada still only recycles 9% of its plastics. The rest? Around 86% ends up in landfills, and 4% is burned for energy, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

    In Alberta, plastic waste is particularly concerning. The Alberta Plastics Data Project revealed that 390 tons of plastic were disposed of by just 25 companies in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland in 2021—garbage bags being the most common.

    Agriculture is also feeling the weight of plastic waste. Grain bags, silage wrap, and twine are piling up in rural areas, prompting Albertans to urge the government to step up action.

    But there’s hope—and it starts with all of us.

    Here’s how you can help:
    – Use reusable bags, bottles, and containers
    – Refuse single-use plastics (straws, cutlery, etc.)
    – Sort and recycle plastics properly
    – Support smart product design—durable, repairable, recyclable
    – Choose businesses committed to zero waste practices

    Plastic doesn’t have to be forever—let’s create a circular economy that works for people and planet.

     Sources:
     canada.ca
     albertaplasticsrecycling.com
     alberta.ca/agricultural-plastics

    #ZeroPlasticWaste #PlasticPollution #PROSDOMA #Recycle
    SH

  • Humanitarian outreach program

    Humanitarian outreach program

    PROSDOMA is reaching out to the people of Abong Kurmi Local Government Area, Taraba State Nigeria