xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) territories/Vancouver, B.C
VANCOUVER, July 17, 2023 – Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS) is excited to announce the launch of the School’s Out Summer Camp program designed to meet the needs of newcomer, immigrant, and refugee children and their families. The Summer Camp will promote children’s well-being and equip them with essential skills for the upcoming school year. Spanning the months of July and August, it is made possible by a generous $43,000 grant from the United Way British Columbia School’s Out Summer Fund.
“Thanks to the United Way grant we are able to provide much-needed learning experiences, helping children build social and emotional skills, connectedness, and well-being, while specifically addressing the unique needs and challenges experienced by immigrant and refugee children,” says PIRS Executive Director, Mariam Bouchoutrouch.
The four-week program will offer a welcoming and inclusive environment where children can engage in hands-on learning experiences and develop a love of learning. It will include daily activities in various areas such as health, physical education, STEM, arts, and outdoor recreation, and exciting field trips to enhance hands-on learning experiences. Nutritious snacks, lunches, and food hampers for families to take home will support children’s learning and overall well-being, and weekly family lunches and workshops will engage parents, promote connection and provide resources for supporting their child’s learning. All activities will follow PIRS Trauma-Informed Approach.
Children from newcomer, refugee and diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds encounter unique challenges in Canada, such as language barriers, limited resources, and trauma, which can impede their healthy development and academic progress. Drawing on PIRS’ extensive experience in delivering children’s programs to migrant families and our understanding of their needs, we use our Trauma-Informed Approach to create safe environments that foster choice, control, and connection, and empower children to develop coping skills and resilience. As a result, the Summer Camp responds to the specific needs of migrant children, enhances their overall well-being and learning, while fostering strong connections among children, parents, and caregivers.
About PIRS
Established in 1975, Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS) delivers accessible, inclusive, low-barrier and trauma-informed programs and services for immigrant and refugee women and their children that give them the skills and knowledge to navigate life in Canada, foster social connections and create a sense of belonging, meaningful participation and leadership.
About United Way BC
United Way British Columbia – working with communities in BC’s Interior, Lower Mainland, and Central & Northern Vancouver Island. United Way supports healthy, caring, and inclusive communities by strengthening vital connections that support people in need. Representing the six regions of Central and Northern Vancouver Island, East Kootenay, Lower Mainland, Southern Interior, Thompson Nicola Cariboo, and Trail and District, the organization serves a population of more than 4 million people, with a focus on kids and youth, seniors, poverty, mental health, and food security.
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Media Contact:
Mariam Bouchoutrouch
Executive Director
ed@pirs.bc.ca
Tel: (604) 298-5888
