In this episode, Eliza and Tiho are joined by Ania Kwadrans (University of Ottawa Refugee Hub) and May Amouri (Refugee Sponsorship Training Program) to discuss the importance of Groups of Five (G5) sponsors for the Canadian Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. The conversation starts with a brief introduction into the policy framework that facilitates G5 sponsorships. Then, May and Ania discuss who G5 sponsors are, how they support sponsored refugee newcomers, what challenges they face, and what support is available to them. The episode closes with some recommendations for policymakers and practitioners who work on community sponsorship in Canada and abroad.

Resources for G5 sponsors from the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP):

• Settlement Support Connection Project: https://www.rstp.ca/en/special-initiatives/connect-with-settlement-support/ 
• Benefits of Connecting with a Settlement Worker: https://www.rstp.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Benefits-of-Connecting-with-a-Settlement-Worker.pdf
• RSTP webinars: https://www.rstp.ca/en/training/webinars/
• Guide 2200 - Groups of Five to privately sponsored refugees (to prepare and submit a G5 sponsorship application): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-sponsor-refugee-groups-five.html