The Rohingya Centre of Canada (the Centre), established in 2022 in Waterloo Region, provides resettlement and settlement services for newcomers as well as emergency assistance with housing, healthcare and educational assistance of Rohingya newcomers and refugees in the region.
The Centre provides programs available in Rohingya to Rohingya in the region. Given the decades-long persecution and disfranchisement of the Rohingya community in Burma, self-isolation has been a prevailing challenge. This is even more pronounced among women. The Centre, serving as a safe space, is pivotal in addressing these issues, providing essential services and fostering a sense of community in the face of adversity. The Rohingya Centre has first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by the Rohingya newcomers/refugees as they integrate into the Canadian society including the lack of formal education, culturo-linguistic and financial barriers, as well as social isolation due to poor support networks.
We take immense pride in our various programs, including cultural events, community engagement, exhibitions, and sports, all aimed at fostering a sense of identity and positive engagement.
Mission: Through collaboration with our partners and the wider Canadian society, we aim to build initiatives and create opportunities for members of the Rohingya community in Kitchener-Waterloo. A diverse set of social, economic, and political activities will reduce marginalization and improve the lives of Rohingya refugees and other newcomers.
Vision: A multi-purpose event and meeting place where Rohingya descent and members of the wider community can meet to socialize and collaborate to achieve their shared goals.
Values: We believe that when we work from a foundation of respect for each person and diverse cultures for social inclusion and collaboration, we can create positive change in our communities.
We are ethical and responsive, believe in equality and diversity, and maintain confidentiality and accountability.
Territorial Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that the land on which Rohingya Centre of Canada sites are situated are the lands traditionally used by the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Neutral People. We also acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge, laws, and philosophies of the Indigenous Peoples with whom we share this land today. We are all treaty people with a responsibility to honour all our relations.