Dzaleka Project Seeks New Volunteers
June 14, 2012
The Dzaleka Project is a Simon Fraser Public Interest Group (SFPIRG) Action Group and Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) Club whose main objective is to provide resources for refugees in need. We are based at Simon Fraser University, Burnaby campus.
If you are interested in making a difference and would like to utilize your skills, we are currently looking for new volunteers to take the lead for our second major goal, which is to explore other ways of changing more lives of refugees in Dzaleka Camp. Please send your letter of interest and resume to dzalekaproject@sfpirg.ca by July 27th. We thank all candidates for applying; only those to be interviewed will be contacted. The positions include:
- President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Communications & Marketing Coordinator
- Sponsorship Officer
- Events Coordinator
- Human Resources & Recruitment Coordinator
- Website Coordinator
Download a pdf with details of all the positions and how to apply.
Our Mission:
To raise awareness about the living conditions and challenges being faced by refugees in the Dzaleka Camp, in Malawi, South East Africa.
To create a friendly environment for discussions and dialogues on various refugee issues.
Our Goal:
To fundraise in order to finance the relocation of refugees who are unable to return to their countries of origin. We have currently been fundraising towards the relocation of the John family; Ntahizaniye John, his wife Helene and their 6 children from Dzaleka Refugee Camp to British Columbia. Please click here to read their story.
To connect refugees in the Dzaleka Camp with other organizations supporting refugees.
To forge international connections and understanding through publicizing refugees’ personal stories and artwork.
Our Achievements:
We have successfully raised over $20,000 to help relocate the John family from the Dzaleka Refugee Camp to British Columbia. We are currently waiting for Immigration Canada to make a final decision on the John family’s sponsorship application.
We have hosted successful events, presentations and blogs to raise awareness about the condition in Dzaleka Refugee Camp. We have enlightened the community and fostered analysis of various refugee issues.
We have engaged students through volunteer opportunities and membership. Since 2008, over 100 SFU students have worked with us in various roles.
Our Story:
In 2008, the Dzaleka Project was founded by Joselyne John, who was a former refugee and is currently an SFU student. In 2007, she received the World University Service of Canada’s (WUSC), which is a Student Refugee Sponsorship (SRP) that allowed her to study at SFU. Her experience in Dzaleka refugee camp and her desire to make a difference inspired the Dzaleka Project to make a difference. The Dzaleka Project' s initial goal has focused on changing the lives of 8 members of Joselyne's family, the John family.
On Feburary 17th, 2012, we reached financial requirements for relocating the John family from Dzaleka refugee camp to British Columbia. However, we overcame the financial difficulties through our annual BBQ fundraisers as well as help from families, friends, allies and supporters. We are currently waiting to hear back from Immigration Canada on the progress of the John family sponsorship application.
On Feburary 17th, 2012, we reached financial requirements for relocating the John family from Dzaleka refugee camp to British Columbia. However, we overcame the financial difficulties through our annual BBQ fundraisers as well as help from families, friends, allies and supporters. We are currently waiting to hear back from Immigration Canada on the progress of the John family sponsorship application.
