Notes
Key recommendations:
The results also indicate that programs such as IPLAY can have important and positive impacts on youth participants, and how future programming may be able to adapt to further support the growing demographic of newcomer youth.
Community organizations:
1) WinSport
2) CCIS (Calgary Catholic Immigration Society)
Future research / gaps identified:
Deepen understandings of transition stress from immigration beyond just initial arrival, and create related policy options to tackle this.
Integration timeline: not defined
Key findings:
1) Youth perceived mental health as holistic, where physical health, mental health and (sometimes) the soul connect.
2) In relation to their mental health, youth discussed newfound feelings of safety in Canada, the life left behind, the role of adjustment, and new opportunities and future-oriented thinking.
3) Youth appeared to have positive mental health gains from the IPLAY program, including the opportunity to reconnect, expand social connections, experience a general source of enjoyment, and retreat from home and usual responsibilities.
4) IPLAY seemed to serve as a vehicle for broader integration, by encouraging gender interactions, creating a multicultural environment, and bolstering the youths’ motivation and confidence to engage in new activities.
Key populations: Afghan refugee youth in a physical activity program for immigrants and refugees in Calgary
