Newcomer Youth Education and Language Support

Newcomer and refugee youth in Winnipeg, ages 12–24, often arrive with schooling gaps and low English proficiency, math at Grade 5 levels or lower. Public options fall short, with no spots for youth aged 18+ without diplomas, and long waitlists for adult classes. When they do find a spot, dropout rates are high, especially for caregiving older siblings supporting families.

Freedom International School (FIS) initiative aims to tackle this issue through programs designed with rolling intake, small-group trauma-informed classes for full or mature diplomas, with a target of 80% graduation yearly and +2 grade levels/year gains.

The Northpine investment in this project will support better teacher pay, additional instructor availability, a guidance counselor for jobs/post-secondary/sibling support, access to technology, and assessments leading to tailored help for participants. This initiative unlocks employment opportunities, easing family pressures, and building skilled contributors in Winnipeg.