CMHA Toronto’s Syrian and Newcomer Youth Mentorship Initiative (SNYMI) is an initiative with The Opening Doors Project that helps Syrian and newcomer youth adjust to life in Canada through group sessions and one-on-one meetings.

Syrian and newcomer youth often find themselves straddling two cultures, and have to make the choice between holding to their background and cultural identity, or assimilating with the dominant Canadian culture. At the same time, they are dealing with psychological trauma as the result of living in a war-torn country, having witnessed violence, and having lost loved ones.

Our Syrian and Newcomer Youth Mentors provide a safe place where youth can explore issues of identity and mental health challenges, discuss their educational and professional goals, and receive support as they navigate the immigration and settlement processes. The mentors engage with youth, educating and mentoring them in their schools, in community centres and in other community locations. In addition to one-on-one meetings, they also run conversation circles, book clubs and a soccer team.