PeaceGeeks is a non-profit organization founded in Vancouver in 2011 with a mission to simplify the immigration journey for Canadian refugees and newcomers through digital tools.
The organization aims to lead projects that build safer societies, connect displaced and conflict-affected communities, and share knowledge in an effort to amplify discourse for peace.
Over the years, PeaceGeeks expanded beyond its origins as a grassroots volunteer group. In 2017, the organization won the Google.org Impact Challenge in Canada, and in 2021 it received the UNAOC Intercultural Innovation Award.
But the story doesn’t stop there.
Canada currently has the highest per capita immigration rate in the world; our population level cracked 41 million in March, and almost all of the country’s growth hails from newcomers. Thus, the demand for tools offered by organizations like PeaceGeeks are at all-time highs.
In honour of International Refugee Day, PeaceGeeks this week unveiled a $4 million investment from professional services giant Accenture to fuel the launch of Virtual Career Coach, a new digital offering designed to connect immigrants to employment opportunities in Canada.
“Through the generous support and active collaboration of Accenture, PeaceGeeks is using the latest technologies to facilitate a smooth transition for newcomers to Canada and address the most persistent pain points they experience,” stated Jen Freeman, chief executive officer of PeaceGeeks.
The new Virtual Career Coach functionality will provide “a comprehensive range of services,” according to a statement from PeaceGeeks, including supporting permanent residency applications and offering AI-enabled interview practice and skills quizzes.
“Accenture is honoured to contribute both financial resources and valuable expertise to this project, empowering PeaceGeeks as they scale their Welcome to Canada initiative nationwide,” commented David Morgenstern, who serves as president of Accenture in Canada.
“Through our funding, training opportunities, mentoring, private-sector partnerships, and strategic guidance, we are committed to supporting PeaceGeeks in their mission to connect and transform the journeys of refugees and newcomers alike,” he stated.
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