Building Confidence and Connection Through Conversation 

In Saskatoon, newcomer and refugee youth are finding their voices through the Saskatoon Open Door Society’s (SODS) Newcomer Youth Philosophy Program, supported by the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Catapult Canada grant. For young people navigating a new country, language, and culture, the program offers a safe space to think, question, and belong. 

About the Program 

Through 25 extracurricular sessions based on the Philosophy for Children (P4C) framework, refugee and newcomer youth aged 12 to 16 come together to explore big questions about identity, belonging, and community. Led by trained facilitators with backgrounds in philosophy and education, participants learn to think critically, listen respectfully, and express their ideas with confidence. Activities include discussion circles, collaborative problem-solving, and creative projects that strengthen soft skills like teamwork and communication, all in a supportive, culturally inclusive environment. 

“This support allows us to inspire children to ask thoughtful questions, challenge assumptions, and develop the confidence to express their ideas. The impact extends far beyond the classroom as it builds the foundations for compassionate, critical thinkers in our community,” the SODS team says.  

Addressing Barriers in Education 

Saskatchewan welcomed more than 26,000 new immigrants between 2022 and 2023, and in Saskatoon, over 20 percent of residents were born outside Canada. Yet many newcomer and refugee youth struggle to find belonging in classrooms where their experiences and perspectives are often overlooked. Students aged 12 to 16, especially, face the challenge of balancing two cultures. Trying to fit in at school while staying connected to their families’ traditions, which can lead to stress, confusion, or feeling out of place. 

At the same time, structural barriers like academic streaming and underestimation of their abilities due to language, leave newcomer youth in lower academic tracks, limiting access to post-secondary opportunities. Programs like SODS’s P4C initiative help fill this gap, offering an alternative space where youth can practice language skills, develop critical thinking, and see their identities reflected in learning. 

Strengthening Learning with Support from the Rideau Hall Foundation 

With support from the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Catapult Canada initiative, SODS is expanding its program to reach more newcomer and refugee youth across Saskatoon. Catapult funding enables SODS to host additional sessions, provide transportation and learning materials, and deepen its partnership with the University of Saskatchewan’s Department of Philosophy, giving students the inspiring experience of learning in a university classroom. 

Beyond funding, Catapult connects SODS to a national network of youth-serving organizations focused on making education more inclusive and equitable. By investing in programs like this, the Rideau Hall Foundation is helping refugee and newcomer youth in Saskatoon build confidence, community, and the critical skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.