“It’s not about me or them”: a close-up experience with the settlement of refugees at Regina Open Door Society

Abstract

This report outlines my practicum experience working with refugees at Regina Open Door Society. Regina Open Door Society is a non-profit organization that provides settlement and integration services to new refugees and immigrants in Regina, Saskatchewan. My first objective was to comprehend the settlement process of refugees in Canada, particularly in Saskatchewan. I was aware that refugees experience ongoing systemic discrimination and oppression, which leads to increased levels of vulnerability. Most often, refugees experience persecution, severe hardship and life-threatening situations prior to seeking refuge in other countries. Thus, I wanted to gain more insight into refugees’ life experiences and, at the same time, wanted to further develop my family case management skills. To obtain these objectives, I became familiar with the programs offered by Regina Open Door Society and immersed myself in their daily activities for four months. The Anti- Oppressive, the Strengths-based, and the Structural Social Work perspectives guided my experience at Regina Open Door Society. During my practicum experience, I gained a greater insight into the refugee settlement process in Canada and Saskatchewan. I believe my family case management ability has improved. In my experience, the strengths-based approach was helpful in addressing a wide array of common challenges (i.e. accommodation, domestic violence, gender discrimination, self-discrimination, substance abuse). As a result of this practicum, my confidence as a social worker has significantly improved. I have become further aware of structural changes and my increased commitment to work with oppressed people.