DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE INTERNATIONAL (DAI) INC.
empowering youths and communities
Based in Winnipeg, DAI offers free, year-round after-school and summer programs for immigrant and newcomer children and youth. Since 2016, we’ve been empowering young people and their families through education, leadership opportunities, mental health support, and community connection.
Our Impact
Since 2016, DAI has supported over 150 newcomer and immigrant children and youth each year through free after-school and summer programs. Our students spend up to 600 hours annually building academic, social, and life skills.
In the 2021–2022 program year:
-
96% of students showed greater engagement in learning
-
90% improved in reading, writing, and math
-
85% built key life skills and reduced problematic behaviour
DAI has been recognized twice by the City of Winnipeg and proudly partners with funders like the W.P. Fund, Telus Community, and the Province of Manitoba to deliver programs that make a lasting impact.
Vanessa, age 7
“I made lots of friends and we do art and play games. I love it here! ”
Theophilus, Volunteer
“DAI gave me the opportunity to volunteer in it's youth programs. I gained valuable work experience with the organization when I first came to Canada”
Mercia, Youth Employee
“DAI gave me employment when I first arrived in Canada. At DAI, I was able to offer my services in French. and it helped me feel connected and confident in a new country ”
Testimonials
Meet Our Team
At DAI, our caring team of professionals and volunteers knows what it’s like to be newcomers because many have experienced immigration themselves. We come from different fields like education, social work, psychology, and international development.
Our team includes university graduates and people with master’s degrees, all working together to build an open, inclusive, and respectful community.
We’re proud to have staff and volunteers with real immigrant and refugee experiences, helping us support newcomer children and youth with understanding and care.
.jpeg)
Our Funders
At DAI, we know we cannot work alone, we must reach out and build strong partnerships with those who share out values so that the newcomers' community has good services and support that work together for their benefit.
