The easiest way to help a refugee in Canada - in just 30 minutes!

The basics

Most refugees in Canada struggle to learn English. Our language program offers affordable classes. Canadians and companies donate funds to hire our teachers (who are also refugees!). Learn more.

But learning with a teacher isn’t enough. Speaking with Canadians is a critical part of learning.

Anhelina from Ukraine and Stef from Calgary.

How you can help

Do you speak English? ✅ Do you care about Ukraine, Afghanistan, or other crises? ✅

Perfect, that’s all you need! Meet a refugee student for 30 minute conversations.

Here’s all you need to do:

1. Find a refugee you’d like to meet: app.findhaven.org. Read their “My Story” to help you decide.
2. Create and verify your Haven account (it takes 5 minutes).
3. Get in touch with that student, and find a time to have a video call (or meet in-person).
4. Have a 30 minute conversation, about anything you’d like, or or about one of our Chat Topics that we’ve suggested below! Note: Think of this as being a conversation partner. We are not expecting you to teach a refugee - that’s what our professional teachers are for 😄

Chat topics

Wondering what you’ll talk about? Its normal to be unsure - this might be your first time meeting a refugee in Canada. Don’t worry, think of this as a safe space to chat with someone new in Canada - imagine what conversations you would like to have if you were forced to move to a new country.

We recommended everyone to start here:

Introductions and Learning Goals

Then move on to other topics, which you’ll find here:

Haven Chat Topics

Other resources

What level is my refugee buddy?