World University Service of Canada

Background

WUSC is a network of individuals and post-secondary institutions who believe that all peoples are entitled to the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to a more equitable world. Its mission is to foster human development and global understanding through education and training.

WUSC’s award-winning projects are developed to address local needs and reduce poverty, and are delivered with local partners to ensure sustainability. WUSC also supports development education activities and international programs at Canadian colleges and universities.

Full Description

Every year, Canada receives more than 25,000 refugees based on its international humanitarian obligations. Many arrive with high levels of education and skills, wanting to contribute to Canada as their new home.

This grant is to support the Student Refugee Program (SRP), a national initiative that allows these young people to integrate into Canadian life by offering them the opportunity of pursuing post-secondary education with the help of local volunteer and community networks.

The SRP fosters engagement by building a sense of community between the student refugees and the Canadian students who support them. It also fosters resilience by helping student refugees receive the support they need to integrate into, and contribute to Canadian society. The SRP also contributes to a more inclusive society by dispelling myths that refugees are a social burden, uneducated or unwilling to integrate into Canadian society.