From 24 to 26 February, Norbert Piché, our Country Director, and Tevfik Karatop, our Project Manager visited Matane, Quebec, to facilitate three sessions of our simulation exercise, A Journey into Exile.

This simulation exercise is designed to raise awareness about refugees by immersing participants in their experiences. After two successful sessions in April 2024, Cégep de Matane and Ville de Matane invited our team to return and facilitate additional sessions.   

Our collaboration with the city and the Cégep exemplifies our strategy to promote refugee awareness in our home province.

Currently, we offer A Journey into Exile in Quebec and across Canada.

One of our key objectives is to foster a more welcoming society for refugees by engaging communities through education. While we continue our work with high schools, colleges, universities, and community groups in Montreal, we also prioritize outreach to regional areas, ensuring we meet people where they are. Guided by this mission, our team received a warm welcome at Cégep de Matane and successfully facilitated two engaging sessions at the Cégep and another session at the public library for the public.   

A highlight of our sessions at Cégep de Matane was the active participation of students before and during the workshops. In preparation, students built various stations representing different aspects of the refugee experience, including refugee camps, detention centers, international borders, and the perilous journey to safety. Their dedication and creativity enriched the simulation, allowing for a more immersive and interactive experience. Our team incorporated these stations into the facilitation, deepening participants’ engagement.   

Following our sessions at the Cégep, we had the opportunity to present A Journey into Exile to members of the public. This session brought together individuals who already work with refugees and those eager to learn more about the global refugee situation. Connecting with people who are committed to understanding and supporting refugees continues to inspire our awareness-raising efforts in Quebec and beyond.   

Moving forward, our project team is committed to strengthening our relationship with Cégep de Matane and using this partnership as a model for expanding our outreach to other cities and schools across Quebec.