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Afghan Connect Program - Lead Volunteer (Honorarium)

In-person | Deadline extended! 

Empower newcomer children, youth and their parents, as they navigate life in Canada!

The SFU Surrey - TD Community Engagement Centre works with the Surrey School District (SD36) Welcome Centre to offer support and mentorship to English Language Learners through the Afghan Connect program.

This program ensures that parents are informed of school norms and practices and remain connected with their children as all family members acculturate to new environments and life in a new country.

Afghan Connect is family-based and brings both parents and children together to build inter-generational connections and understanding. Children are engaged through sports and interactive activities to develop and strengthen academic and life skills. Parents are offered workshops to strengthen their knowledge of the school system and how to support their children’s adaptation in a new society. Through interactive activities, both children and parents learn, share, and have fun in a supportive environment.

Opportunity Description:

The SFU Surrey – TD Community Engagement Centre is looking for one SFU student to fill the role of Lead Volunteer for the Afghan Connect program from April 22nd to June 24th (the program itself begins somewhat later, on May 6th).

The Lead Volunteer will be present in-person at Riverdale Elementary School to help support the Afghan Connect program staff and volunteers on Mondays from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. In addition to supervising the sessions, the Lead Volunteer will help lead presentations or activities and engage in administrative tasks to support volunteer coordination and program operation.

The Lead Volunteer performs the following duties, with oversight from the Program Manager:

  • Assists the settlement workers to lead the prep session with the volunteers from 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm before the program starts, to review the plan for the day and assign tasks;
  • Debriefs with the volunteers and SD 36 Settlement Workers from 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm to plan activities for upcoming sessions and check-in on any concerns, questions, or other feedback. Escalated issues will be reported to the Program Manager;
  • Sends reminders to volunteers about upcoming sessions, and checks in with them about the content they needed to prepare for the session;
  • Records volunteer attendance;
  • Assists the settlement workers to oversee the program and ensure it runs smoothly;
  • Checks in on volunteers and re-assigns teams if needed during or after the session;
  • Completes a final program report with reflections, challenges, successes and recommendations.

During or after the program and at their own discretion the Lead Volunteer may also choose to provide verbal and/or written recommendations for volunteers they directly supervised. Resources and guidance will be provided to help with writing Recommendation Letters as needed.

In this role you will:

  • Learn about the goals of the SD36 Welcome Centre programs and settlement supports in school for newcomers to Canada.
  • Acquire knowledge about the Afghan Connect program curriculum.
  • Apply learned knowledge of the program as well as interpersonal, communication, cross-cultural awareness and instructional skills by assisting in the delivery of program activities.
  • Apply learned knowledge of the program curriculum by coming up with new ideas for activities, or by altering existing activities to meet the needs and interests of the children and youth attending the program.
  • Apply interpersonal, empathy and relationship-building skills by developing healthy relationships with the children and youth in the program.

Program Logistics:

  • Mondays
  • Time:  From 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
  • Location: Riverdale Elementary School (14835 108a Ave, Surrey, BC V3R 1W9)
  • Dates: April 22nd to June 28th, 2024 (no sesssions on May 20th and 27th)

You can expect to work 3 to 5 hours a week during this time.

Upon successful completion of the role, the Lead Volunteer will receive a $200 honorarium.

Volunteer Training:

The Lead Volunteer will be trained by the SD36 Welcome Centre Settlement Workers and the CEC Program Manager in the week of April 22nd.

They will also help run the Orientation session for volunteers on Wednesday, May 1st from 2:30 to 4:00 pm (on Zoom).

The Lead Volunteer must also be available to schedule and lead virtual Orientation make-up sessions for volunteers who miss the May 1st Volunteer Orientation. These orientations will be run with support from the Program Manager.

Requirements:

  • Be a current SFU student (undergraduate, graduate, or continuing studies) or SFU alumni;
  • Be passionate about helping those in the community and making a difference;
  • Cultivate a positive and energetic attitude;
  • Have a strong commitment to fostering a supportive team environment;
  • Demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills;
  • Possess excellent organizational and problem-solving skills;
  • Be excited to work with people with diverse backgrounds and personalities;
  • Have experience or a strong interest in working with children, youth, and newcomers to Canada;
  • Be dependable, flexible and resourceful;
  • Provide the SD 36 Welcome Centre with a copy of a Criminal Record Check.

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply, please send your resume and your answers to the following questions by email to Saba Fatemi (sfatemi@sfu.ca) – Programs Manager at the SFU Surrey - TD Community Engagement Centre: 

  1. Why do you want to apply for this position?
  2. What personal and professional strengths or relevant experiences would you bring to this position?
  3. Why is it vital to engage children and youth in the City of Surrey?

Please note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Deadline to apply: Closed

 
 
 
Collection Notice: The information collected as part of the application process is under the authority of the University Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c.468). It is related directly to and needed by the University to administer the volunteer program through the SFU Surrey – TD Community Engagement Centre. The information will be used to screen volunteer applicants, refer applicants to opportunities of interest, and update applicants with information related to volunteer opportunities. If you have any questions about the collection and use of this information please contact Associate Director, Partnerships and Programs, 250-13450 102 Avenue, Surrey BC, V3T 0A3, 778-782-8082.    

Apply now!

Ready to learn about volunteering with the community as an SFU ambassador? Join the Community Engagement Volunteer Training Program.

Learn more

This opportunity is recognized on the Co-Curricular Record (CCR), an official university document that tracks your co-curricular involvement at SFU. Learn more about the Co-Curricular Record at www.sfu.ca/students/get-involved/recognition/co-curricular-record.