HOST program

The Host program is funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. The Saskatoon Open Door Society is one of many centres across Canada to offer this valuable program designed to assist newcomers in their transition to a new life in Canada.  The Saskatoon Open Door Society's Host program also offers a Conversation Circle program,  School Buddy program, Community Host program, Citizenship Study Session plus many special activities.

Matching
Volunteers in the HOST match program are matched with newcomers for friendship, orientation, informal conversation practice and language tutoring. Volunteers usually meet with their matches once a week. A minimum commitment of six months is required. Many matches see the one year mark. Matches are made on a one-to-one or group basis. This is an ongoing program. Training is provided. Volunteers meet with their Host friend at their home or other arranged location. Volunteers must attend an orientation session. For more information contact juliefj@sods.sk.ca 

Conversation Circle Adult or Conversation Circle Children
Volunteers in Conversation Circles lead informal conversation groups for newcomers to Canada. There are circles for adults and circles for children whose parents are attending a circle. Volunteers  can also help plan activity sessions which may include field trips, guest speakers or other activities. Conversation Circles run year round in various venues and at various times. For more information contact mmichaulk@sods.sk.ca

Community Host
This program is new to Saskatoon and involves matching newcomers with members of their same ethnic community. These volunteers provide information, support and community orientation in the first language of the newcomer during the first week or two of settlement. The Community Host match ends when a "traditional" Host match is made. At that time, more focus is placed on friendship and language learning. For more information contact juliefj@sods.sk.ca


School Buddy
This program runs at the elementary school level. Student volunteers are partnered with newcomer students for friendship, support and an introduction to the school. For more information, contact  juliefj@sods.sk.ca


Citizenship Study Session
This volunteer-lead, six week program takes people preparing to become Canadian citizens through the citizenship process, from filling out applications, studying for the test and learning about the rights and responsibilities of being a Canadian citizen to participating in a mock elections.  Citizenship Study is held three to four times a year. For more information, contact  mmichaulk@sods.sk.ca.

Host News
The Host program distributes a newsletter to all volunteers three times a year. Click Vol News Autumn 2009 to view the latest issue.