BC Safe Haven Program supports refugee claimants by connecting them with essential services. community resources, and settlement support while they are navigate the refugee claim process in Canada.
Volunteer Translators and Interpreters play a critical role in ensuring refugee claimants can communicate clearly with services providers and understand the support available for them.
Volunteers will be on call and may be contacted by partner agencies to assist with interpretation or translation during appointments, meetings, workshops, or documents review.
Interpretation may take place in person, by phone or virtually depending on the needs of the agencies.
Time commitment varies depending on request, typically 1 - 3 hours per assignment.
Your support helps remove language barriers and ensure refugee claimant can access services with dignity, clarity and confidence.
Languages Needed:
-Farsi/Dari
-Spanish
-Arabic (Syria, Sudan, Iraq, Qatar, UAE)
-French
-Kurdish
-Georgian
-Japanese
-Mandarin/Cantonese
-Turkish
-Swahili
-Kinorwanda
-Amaharic
-Bengali
-Punjabi
-Hindi
-Urdu
-Pashtu
This is the right role for you if:
You are fluent in English and at least one additional language.
You care about supporting refugees and newcomers in your community.
You are comfortable communicating across cultures.
You are reliable and able to assist occasionally on short notice.
You value confidentiality, empathy, and respectful communication.
Main Tasks:
Provide verbal interpretation during meetings, phone calls, or service appointments.
Assist with basic translation of documents when required.
Help ensure information is communicated accurately and respectfully.
Support service providers in creating inclusive and accessible communication.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
Required Fluency in English and another language (spoken; written is an asset).
Strong communication and listening skills.
Sensitivity and respect for diverse backgrounds.
Reliability and punctuality when called to assist.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Previous interpretation experience is an asset but not required.
What the Opportunity Offers:
A meaningful way to support refugee claimants in British Columbia.
Experience working with community organizations and settlement services.
Opportunities to develop interpretation and cross-cultural communication skills.
Flexible volunteer involvement based on your availability.
A chance to contribute to building a more inclusive and welcoming community.
How You Can Help:
Language access is essential for refugee claimants to understand their rights, access services, and feel supported during a complex and often stressful process. By volunteering your language skills, you help ensure individuals and families can communicate clearly, access resources, and feel heard. Your contribution helps make services more accessible for everyone.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering as a translator or interpreter is a powerful way to make a direct impact in someone’s life.
Your time and language skills can help refugee claimants: Access critical services Navigate unfamiliar systems. Feel welcomed and supported in Canada. Even a single interpretation session can make a meaningful difference.
Contact:
For more information please contact MaryB@uwbc.ca
