The RAJO (Hope) Project

RAJO applies a holistic approach to address the cultural, social and economic well-being as well as the personal development of Somali youth, adults and families within Canadian society.

School Based Program

RAJO Youth Empowerment Project, Youth assent form and parent consent form

RAJO Ottawa

Somali Youth & Family Empowerment Project Based at Local High Schools

RAJO Edmonton

Somali Youth & Family Empowerment Project Based at Queen Elizabeth High School

RAJO Ottawa Division
The Rajo (Hope) Project has made the difference between success and ​failure, understanding and ​confusion, hope and despair, for our family.
Farah Aw- Osman
Executive Director

Community Engagement

Outreach workers will promote ongoing dialogue to identify and address issues that impact Somali youth and families.

School Based Programming

Delivering interactive, engaging and youth focused services to support academic excellence and personal growth.

Individual Youth Counselling

Clinical counselors will work alongside clients to address their emotional & psychological needs.

Youth Empowerment Project Services

The RAJO project is aimed to empower Somali Youth and families in Ottawa and Edmonton through culturally sensitive engagement strategies. Our outreach works promote ongoing dialogue to identify and address issues that impact Somali Youth and Families.

Youth Empowerment

The RAJO (Hope) project is based on the Trauma Systems Therapy for Refugees (TST-R) model which serves as a culturally appropriate intervention for Somali youth in North America. This four tiered intervention model was adapted to assess and respond to the severe needs of Somali-Canadian youth and their families in Ottawa and Edmonton. This project takes a multifaceted approach to address mental wellbeing as it relates to trauma, poverty and cultural isolation. These are some of the leading factors contribute into increased mental health illnesses , substance use and trouble with the law.

Trauma Systems Therapy

Tier One: Community & Outreach Engagement​

Single information sessions are implemented to engage small groups of Somali-Canadians and their families to develop trust between communities and service providers before specific needs are identified. Community engagement starts up to 6 months prior to implementation of services and is ongoing throughout the program.

Trauma Systems Therapy

Tier Two: School-Based Groups

Outreach counsellors and clinicians conduct 12 weekly closed-group sessions (1 hour long) for approximately 12-14 weeks on site at identified schools or other locations within the community.

Trauma Systems Therapy

Tier 3 & 4: Individual and Family Therapy

A clinician paired with an outreach counsellor engages in individual and/or home-based family therapy on a weekly basis with youth at schools, agencies, and/or in family homes as appropriate.

The RAJO (Hope) project

ACTIVE SCHOOL PROGRAMS

RAJO Edmonton Division