Conestoga commemorated World Refugee Day on June 20 by celebrating its sponsorship of refugee students over the past two years. An interactive display at the college’s Kitchener - Doon Campus allowed students to participate in trivia, ask questions and add well-wishes to a sign that will be presented to Conestoga’s next arriving refugee student in August.
Conestoga commemorated World Refugee Day on June 20 by celebrating its sponsorship of refugee students over the past two years with an interactive display at the college’s Kitchener - Doon Campus.
Conestoga has been a member of the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program (SRP) since 2022, which is a unique sponsorship program that combines higher education opportunities with protection and permanent resettlement for refugee youth. Conestoga has funded the students, with an average cost of $45,000 to $50,000 per year, per student, with fundraising plans underway that will help support costs for future students.
“As the original facilitator and primary liaison between WUSC and other stakeholders, I am deeply inspired and proud of our dedication to integrating young refugee students into our college community,” said Jillian Grant, associate director, Office of the Senior Vice-President, International, Government & Community Relations.
“To date, we have welcomed three refugee students to Conestoga and have witnessed their journey firsthand from arrival to early onboarding and transition, through to their current academic successes and evolving personal growth.”
Two of the students have already graduated, and are currently studying in a second program at Conestoga. They’ve also been engaged in student life, including employment through part-time student positions and volunteering as leaders during the college’s orientation week.
Refugee students are supported through the campus-based Conestoga WUSC Local Committee, which consists of 15 student volunteer and student staff members, as well as employee representatives who assist the new arrivals with adjustment to Canadian society, culture, day-to-day living, and the education system.
“The committee provides wrap-around supports for SRP students from the day of their arrival until the end of their sponsorship period,” said Sydney Atwood, programmer, Student Engagement and a co-lead of the local committee.
“It’s an incredibly exciting day to meet the new students at Pearson Airport with big welcome signs and big smiles; it’s our first opportunity to make them feel welcome in Canada and their new Conestoga community. From there, we get them settled in residence and begin preparing them for their upcoming semester at the college.”
Atwood elaborated on some of the supports that the committee provides for the students on an ongoing basis.
“SRP students are facing many new experiences and challenges here, such as being away from family for the first time, adjusting to a brand new culture and climate, new expectations related to education and academics, and much more. The committee is here to ensure SRP students have people to turn to; people who care about their success and are committed to helping them thrive in Canada.”
Zarna Mistri, international events coordinator and a co-lead of the local committee, added that the committee’s efforts align with WUSC’s guiding principles to ensure success for newly-arrived refugee students.
“Witnessing refugee students integrate into Canadian culture with resilience and determination highlights our community's unwavering support across WUSC's five pillars: health, wellness, social, financial, and academic self-reliance, and is truly inspiring to see.”
Refugee students at Conestoga have included a female from war-torn Afghanistan, who was denied the right to higher education with the Taliban’s rise to power in Afghanistan in 2021.
“When the Taliban conquered Afghanistan, I completely lost my hope and I was depressed a lot,” said the student, who explained what kind of life she would have had in Afghanistan, and how studying in the SRP has changed the course of her life.
“[In Afghanistan] we should stay at home and just get married, we do not have another choice. Coming to Canada, and especially starting at Conestoga, shaped my life and my future. Right now, I am going to build my career and maybe start my own business. My future is going to be so bright.”
To qualify for the SRP, students aged 18 to 25 years undergo an extensive interview process with WUSC and complete training models to familiarize themselves with Canadian education and culture. Participants must also be considered official refugees by UNHCR, have lived in an eligible asylum nation for three years, and possess English skills adequate for success in post-secondary studies, with further language supports available.
“We’re so proud of the efforts of the WUSC Local Committee and the dedicated students and employees who are making a difference by raising awareness and education,” said Amy Baird, associate director, Student Experience.
“It’s always inspirational to see students helping other students, and we’ve also seen our refugee students go on to play a crucial role in helping other new refugee students thrive. The generous spirit of Conestoga really shines through in these efforts that help to create truly remarkable success stories.”
Gary Hallam, senior vice-president, Academic and Students, has been one of the program’s most ardent supporters, and is hoping to bring more refugee students to Conestoga.
“Providing an education and a chance at a better life to students through the SRP has been extremely rewarding for the Conestoga community in helping those in vulnerable situations,” said Hallam.
“It’s clear that our increased involvement to advance this cause and welcome refugee students will only add to the positive difference that we and over 90 other schools across Canada are making in the lives of these young people.”
Since 1978, the SRP has assisted over 2,000 refugee students from 39 countries in earning an education at 95 campuses across the country.
World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.
Conestoga’s WUSC-SRP initiative is led by the International team, who have created a framework for SRP success at Conestoga by defining goals and implementing processes and strategies to meet the needs of the established mandates of the program. The International team works in partnership with Student Engagement to ensure that refugee students have the supports they need to succeed in Canada.
For further information, please contact WUSC Conestoga.