Our Programs
Supporting newcomers through the interconnected journey of settlement.
Settlement Starts With Understanding
Settlement is not a single service or a single moment. It is a journey that can involve learning, adapting, connecting, finding opportunities and building confidence in a new environment.
At Poyan Initiative, settlement is the umbrella under which our work is organized. Our programs and activities respond to different parts of that journey while recognizing that these areas are closely connected.
We develop our work around the needs and circumstances of the people we serve. As PI grows, programs may evolve, expand or change in response to evidence, community feedback and emerging needs.
Our Settlement Areas
Information & Orientation
Helping newcomers understand the systems, services, rights, responsibilities and everyday realities of life in France.
We aim to make complex information easier to understand and help people identify appropriate sources of support.
Language & Communication
Supporting practical language development and communication skills that help newcomers navigate everyday situations and participate more confidently.
Language is considered not only a learning goal, but also an important tool for independence and connection.
Health Access
Helping newcomers understand how to access healthcare, where to seek appropriate services and how to navigate unfamiliar health systems.
Our role is to improve understanding and connection to appropriate services rather than replace qualified healthcare professionals.
Employment & Skills
Supporting newcomers as they prepare for employment, identify opportunities, develop relevant skills and better understand the professional environment.
Where appropriate, we aim to connect people with existing employment services, training providers, employers and other relevant organizations.
Education & Learning
Connecting newcomers with learning opportunities, educational pathways, training and practical resources that support their personal and professional development.
We recognize learning as an ongoing part of settlement and long-term participation.
Community Connections
Creating opportunities for newcomers to meet people, discover local organizations and activities, participate in community life and develop meaningful connections.
Strong connections can reduce isolation, strengthen confidence and create pathways to further opportunities.
How Programs Are Developed
We do not want to create programs simply because a program is expected to exist. We want our work to respond to real needs.
Whenever possible, PI seeks to understand the situation before deciding what response is appropriate. This includes listening to people, examining the context, identifying existing resources and services, and considering the underlying factors contributing to a need.
From there, we can develop a response with clear objectives, appropriate activities and realistic expectations.
Understand → Identify → Analyse → Design → Act → Monitor → Learn → Adapt
This cycle allows programs to evolve as we learn more about what works, what does not, and what people actually need.
Integrated Support
Settlement challenges often overlap. Someone looking for employment may also need language support. Someone trying to access healthcare may need help understanding administrative procedures. Someone experiencing isolation may benefit from community connections as well as practical information.
For this reason, PI seeks to look at the whole situation rather than treating every challenge as an isolated problem.
When a need falls outside PI’s role or expertise, we aim to connect people with appropriate organizations and services.
Building Capacity and Independence
Our programs are designed with a simple principle in mind: support should strengthen people’s ability to move forward.
Where possible, we want participants to gain knowledge, skills, confidence and connections that remain useful beyond a single interaction or activity.
The long-term goal is not dependence on services. It is greater confidence, participation and independence.
Finding the Right Way Forward
Every person’s settlement journey is different. Our role is to help make that journey clearer, more connected and more empowering.
When we understand the need, we can build a better response.