Celebrating the Resilience of Canada’s Refugees

Embarking on a new chapter in life can often bring about unexpected twists and turns. Saleem’s journey to Canada was no exception. As he navigated the challenges of settling into a new country, Saleem’s resilience, international experience, and patience played pivotal roles in his pursuit of meaningful employment. Saleem shares his story:

“My name is Saleem, and my new journey began when I arrived in Canada in August 2021. Initially, my plan was to temporarily settle here with my family before returning to Afghanistan. Little did I know how drastically my life was about to change.

Leaving everything behind, we embarked on this new chapter of our lives. During our first week in Canada, we were shocked to learn that Kabul fell into the hands of the Taliban. Overnight, everything we thought we knew was turned upside down.

It was a situation none of us had expected, and it unfolded with astonishing speed. However, I consider myself incredibly fortunate as I was already in Canada when that happened. I had to change the plan now and focus into integration in Canada.

Before coming to Canada, I had developed good language skills and gained valuable career experience by working with international organizations and collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds. This foundation made it somewhat easier for me to navigate the complex world of settlement organizations and adapt to life in Canada.

But there was one challenge that none of my prior experiences could prepare me for, the freezing Ontario winter. Without a car, our only option was to learn to use public transit in Toronto.

My foremost goal was to integrate into Canadian society and give back, leveraging my international experience and skills. To achieve this, I registered with Jumpstart Refugee Talent, eager to benefit from their programs. Through their support, I was fortunate to be matched with a mentor Ian Lobo who held a prestigious position as the Managing Director, Development Partnership of one of Canada’s most reputable firms.

Working alongside my mentor was an enlightening experience. He guided me in understanding the nuances of doing business the “Canadian way,” including the differences in management styles and the paramount importance of networking. During our mentorship, I observed certain challenges in the refugee resettlement process in Canada. This led to detailed discussions with the advisory and advocacy teams of Accenture, where I contributed a comprehensive two-pager draft and presented an outline highlighting the challenges in the resettlement process.

My mentor, who also served as a reference, was instrumental in helping me secure my current role. I cannot emphasize enough the significance of having a mentor in one’s journey. I wholeheartedly recommend it to every newcomer.

At present, I am enrolled in a course at York University, working towards a certification in business. My aim is to build upon my previous experiences, expand my professional network, and deepen my understanding of the Canadian business landscape.

I firmly believe that refugee talent can be a great asset to any organization. The challenge lies in the perception of lacking Canadian experience, often resulting in being excluded from even the shortlisting process. In my own case, I was offered a pivotal role at Talent Beyond Boundaries. Within a mere six months, my efforts and talents were recognized, and I was promoted to a Program Manager position.

Refugees possess unique skills and perspectives that can greatly contribute to any organization’s mission and culture – provided they are given the opportunity. It’s a chance to not only change their lives but also make a positive impact on the community they now call home.”

Learn more about our Welcome Talent Canada Program, where we match mentors and mentees for valuable learning exchanges that facilitate networking, growth, and career pathing for refugees to Canada.