Nuer Youth Association · Canada · est. 2020

Inspired by our roots.
Led by youth.
One story, written together.

A home for Nuer/Naath youth and families across the GTA — mentorship, education, culture, faith, and leadership, walked together with elders and the community.

Toronto · Mississauga · Brampton For youth, families & elders
Three young Naath women in traditional dress
Welcoming party · 2025 Cultural night hosted by the Mississauga Nuer community.
Join our programs today
240+
Youth reached across Ontario
5
Program pillars: from mentorship to leadership
15+
Mentors and volunteers from the community
5yrs
Walking with families since 2021
What we do

Five pillars, one community.

Every NYA program meets a young person where they are — in school, at home, in faith, and in culture — and walks them toward the next step.

Two NYA mentors talking

Mentorship

Naath mentors who share lived experience — paired with youth ages 12 to 25 for a school year of weekly check-ins, study, and conversation that lasts well past graduation.

Meet our mentors 01 / 05

Education

Free tutoring, scholarship navigation, and college & university research prep — career readiness for youth and adults alike.

Learn more 02

Culture

Naath dance, storytelling, and intergenerational evenings that keep our heritage alive in Canada.

Learn more 03

Faith

Youth-led spaces for prayer, discussion and Bible study.

Learn more 04

Leadership

Get involved with NYA today — join our leadership team and help support the next generation of Nuer youth.

Learn more 05
Who we are

Built with families. Backed by community.

Nuer Youth Association (NYA) is a community-based organization dedicated to empowering Nuer/Naath youth and families through mentorship, education, culture, leadership, and community support.

Founded with a commitment to strengthening the next generation, NYA creates spaces where young people can feel supported, connected, and inspired to pursue their goals. Our work focuses on guiding youth toward positive pathways while preserving Nuer/Naath identity, values, language, and cultural pride.

Through mentorship programs, educational support, youth and parent workshops, cultural gatherings, career conversations, and community events, NYA bridges generations and brings families together. We believe that when youth are surrounded by guidance, encouragement, and opportunity, they are better equipped to succeed academically, socially, and personally.

We don’t help our youth. We walk with them. There’s a difference, and you can feel it in this room.
Read the full story
Naath elders speaking on a community panel
Naath history & culture panel · Jan 2026
Our team

Inspired by our roots, led by youth.

NYA is shaped, run, and carried forward by Nuer young people themselves, with elders, parents, and mentors standing beside them.

COUNCIL Youth Leadership Council · ages 18–34
Board Elders, mentors & founding members
Voice Public speaking, programs & events
Join the team
NYA team — five young Naath women on a soft blue scrapbook background, with the heading Meet The Team Youth Leadership Council
Newcomer support

Just arrived from home? You’re already family.

For Nuer/Naath families newly in Canada, the first months can feel like everything at once. NYA walks alongside you in Thok Naath, with people who’ve made the same crossing.

First weeks

We help you find your footing in the GTA — transit, groceries, the basics.

01

Paperwork

OHIP, SIN, school registration, IRCC forms — we sit with you, help you fill out the forms, and make sure you understand.

02

Housing & school

Connections to settlement agencies, school enrollment for your children, and Naath families nearby for the day-to-day.

03

Language bridge

Help finding local English classes, translation support for appointments, and connections to interpreters who speak Thok Naath, English, and Arabic.

04
Mal mi gəər · Welcome home

Just arrived in the GTA? Reach us today.

Whether it’s your first week or your first year — we’ll meet you where you are. Call, message, or come by on a Saturday.

Thok Naath Arabic English
For agencies & government partners

A trusted community bridge for newly arrived South Sudanese Nuer/Naath families.

NYA supports Nuer newcomers settling in the GTA by connecting families with community leaders, parents, mentors, and volunteers who understand their language, culture, and transition journey. We welcome opportunities to work alongside IRCC, settlement agencies, schools, and refugee-serving organizations to help families feel informed, supported, and connected from the moment they arrive.

  • Community connection for Nuer newcomer families.
  • Support from parents, elders, and community leaders who speak Nuer, Arabic, and English.
  • Help connecting youth and families to mentorship, education, faith, and cultural programs.
  • Open to partnerships, referrals, letters of support, and community collaboration.
Registered Canadian non-profit
Serving Nuer families across the GTA community
Open to agency and settlement partnerships
Partner with NYA Refer a Naath family Partnership inquiries
Stand with our youth

Help raise the next generation of Nuer leaders.

Your support funds tutoring, mentorship, culture nights, scholarships, and safe spaces where Nuer youth feel seen, guided, and proud of who they are.

Have a question? We’ll get back to you within 2 business days.
Volunteer with us
Come meet us, help out, and learn how you can support. Open to all.
Partner with NYA
For schools, community groups, foundations, and funders.