Funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) is a program operated by settlement agencies throughout Canada in partnership with school divisions. SWIS is a program for immigrant and refugee children in K-12 schools. Action for Healthy Communities is an authorized SWIS provider.
SWIS is built on a powerful idea: the best way to help newcomer families is to help their children thrive in Canadian schools. We do so by supporting social connection, systems navigation, cultural sharing, and individualized supports.
SWIS is not strictly an academic program, although SWIS workers can help students with language acquisition and with other school needs.
If you are interested in SWIS programming at your school, please reach out via the “contact” button below.
Offering free translation and interpretation in the family’s first language to help them understand important information
Creating opportunities for youth to become engaged and confident in their new learning environment and community
Providing newcomers with important information on both school expectations, like Parent-Teacher nights, academic integrity, attendance, and school culture (classes, extracurriculars, sports, etc.)
Providing newcomers with information about community services, like the library, food banks, community leagues
Conducting orientation workshops on school and various settlement topics in Canada, like winter safety, applying for citizenship, understanding colleges and universities, Canadian culture and holidays
Providing referrals for support when needed, like support accessing family doctors or disability services, and Supporting families with mental health and emotional well-being.
My little girl loves dance and music and performing arts. She was overjoyed when she got a chance to learn ballet last summer during the weeklong training. It was amazing seeing her and other little ones get a shot at ballet and experiencing a dance studio. As children, they got something to TELL about during their Show and Tell sessions at school. As a newcomer, it’s those opportunities don’t happen every day.
Catherine Namuddu, Leduc
My favourite time each month is when SWIS comes to my school! We play games, do activities, and we learned how to make ice cream from a bag! I love when we get to do SWIS. It makes school fun.
Student
EICS School Division, age 9
Our family would like to sincerely thank AHC for all that they have done for us. We are new to Canada, and AHC has been even more caring than a family to us, helping with physical, emotional, and psychological support. When we came to Canada we were confronted by the cold winter, and AHC showed us how to protect ourselves from the cold and brought us all that we needed to keep warm. All of us truly loved that. With their help, we are finding our place in Alberta society, Canadian society. We are getting there, little by little, we are moving forward.
The Bakajika Family
Leduc
I just wanted to send you a HUGE thank you for all of your help. Mom has let us know that he has been approved for his citizenship which is amazing news. I cannot believe how quickly it happened. We are very much appreciative of all your support and guidance.
Education Partner
Lakeland
Visit our Contact Us page or leave us a message through the form — we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
