JIAS Active Citizenship Fellowship

2024 Cohort Is Now Filled [2025 applications will be open January, 2025]

Introducing Our 2024 Cohort!

We are thrilled to announce that we have accepted 14 impressive participants to the 2024 fellowship cohort!

  1. Anna Gurevich
  2. Azita Farhoumandi
  3. Csaba Kürti
  4. Fargana Sarmasova
  5. Farida Bazger
  6. Ghere (Ghebrehiwet) Tekle
  7. Gulshan Mosleh
  8. Mohammad Farid Bazger
  9. Olesia Shablia
  10. Roberta Antunes Chrysóstomo de Avillez
  11. Safura Elkhani
  12. Sajia Noorzai Hemmat
  13. Samerat Afraha Tekele
  14. Shaista Bazger
Two women seated across from each other at a table in conversation
Meetings Schedule
  1. March - In-Person: Sunday, March 3, 2024
  2. April - In-Person: Sunday, April 14, 2024
  3. May - Virtual: Tuesday, May 21, 2024
  4. June - Virtual: Tuesday, June 18, 2024
  5. July - In Person: Tuesday July 23, 2024
  6. August - Virtual: Tuesday, August 20, 2024
  7. September - In-Person: Sunday, September 15, 2024
  8. October - In Person: Sunday, October 20, 2024
  9. November - Virtual: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
  10. December - In-Person: Sunday, December 15, 2024
Who Can Apply?
  • Permanent Resident or Conventional Refugee
  • Have a very strong proficiency in the English language
  • JIAS client (if you meet all the other criteria, you can become a JIAS client by going through our intake process by contacting our intake team here)
  • Must commit to participate in at least 8 out of the 10 meetings
  • Able to meet with assigned mentor during the 10 month program
  • Can take on an action project that will contribute to a community, local, regional, or national issue
  • Travel within the GTA required (assistance available if needed)
*Application deadline is January 25, 2024*
What is Journeys to Active Citizenship?
JIAS Toronto has organized this leadership program for newcomers to Canada. Some of the content, speakers, and plans are developed by JIAS Toronto staff and board. The course content was developed by Journeys to Active Citizenship (a project of North York Community House and OCASI). The goal is to build a more inclusive Canada where immigrants and refugees are empowered to play a greater role in shaping their communities.
Benefits to Participating
Fellows Will:
  • Make connections with other newcomers and long-time Canadians
  • Improve your English, presentation skills, and professional skills
  • Network with leaders in your community and around Canada
  • Learn about Canada and prepare for the citizenship test
  • Receive a certificate that you can add to your resume/CV
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
We are looking for newcomers who are:
  • Curious with a passion for learning
  • Seeking a deeper understanding of Canadian society and public policy
  • Leaders with experience and achievements in your current or past community
  • Eager to make change and improve the lives of others
  • Have a history of leadership, work experience, and achievements in their community
  • Able to commit to an immersive learning experience from March - December, 2024 (up to 5 hours per month commitment)