Research demonstrates that helping professionals working with newcomers from war affected countries need further training to enhance the well being and mental health of this population.  For this reason, Labour and Immigration Manitoba is sponsoring a one time only free series of courses to increase capacity for 8 to 10 helping professionals.   

The first and foundational course will be piloted and evaluated in 2007- 2008.  Two advanced courses are being planned for the spring and fall of 2008 (Advanced Practice with Adults and Advanced Practice with Youth). *

The foundational course will be approximately 40 hours, offered over 14 weeks.  The class will be at least 3 hours per week during an afternoon. It will begin in early November 2007 and continue to the end of February 2008. 

• To explore the values and ethics underlying professional helping for this population.
• To learn about topics such as pre- immigration context, immigration policy and process, settlement experiences and the exile syndrome.
• To understand mental health and wellness as these relate to trauma from war and violence.
• To become familiar with resources available and increase networking and advocacy skills.
• To integrate knowledge with professional helping.

• Cross-Cultural Conceptual Knowledge (from formal courses and/or workshops of at least 40 hours)**
• Human Services Degree/Certificate/Diploma (in disciplines such as Social Work, Psychology, Psychiatry, Psychiatric Nursing, Family Therapy, Counselling)
• Current work or volunteer experience with newcomers from war affected areas.
  

* Participants can register for 1 to 3 courses, but must take or challenge the foundational course to proceed to the advanced levels. 

** If  your courses or workshops do not add up to 40 hours, there will be an assessment of your knowledge and approach in cross cultural situations.

For an application or more information, please e- mail us at qualtrica@gmail.com or call us at 479- 8450.