Rohingya Centre Of Canada

Respects Uniqueness Of The Community

The Rohingya Centre of Canada (the Centre), established in 2022 in the Waterloo Region, serves as a vital safety net for the growing Rohingya community. Born out of the urgent need to rebuild a deeply marginalized community, the Centre’s mandate is to guide community members towards available services, empower youth and families, and strengthen the community’s capacity to thrive and contribute positively to Canadian society. Given the decades-long persecution and systemic exclusion faced by the Rohingya in Burma, many newcomers arrive with minimal formal education, significant cultural and language barriers, financial hardship, and little to no social support. The Centre provides responsive supports, community navigation, and advocacy services that directly address these challenges. It is a safe space for healing, learning, and empowerment. Furthermore, the Centre is a trusted partner to service providers and institutions, offering crucial insight and support to ensure services are accessible, effective, and inclusive for Rohingya clients.

The Rohingya Centre is not currently mandated or funded to provide formal settlement services. However, within our capacity, we are committed to supporting the Rohingya community in their journey toward a strong sense of belonging, successful integration, and community rebuilding in the Region of Waterloo. While we do not receive direct funding for settlement work, we actively collaborate with local partner organizations, settlement agencies, school boards, and healthcare providers to help ease their burden and ensure that our community members receive the support they need. 

Mission: Through collaboration with our partners and the wider Canadian society, we aim to build initiatives and create opportunities for members of the Rohingya community in Kitchener-Waterloo. A diverse set of social, economic, and political activities will reduce marginalization and improve the lives of Rohingya refugees and other newcomers.

Vision: A multi-purpose event and meeting place where Rohingya descent and members of the wider community can meet to socialize and collaborate to achieve their shared goals.