For World Refugee Day, June 20, DIVERSEcity’s RISE program shares the story of a Rohingya family’s journey of resilience, hope and new beginnings
Hope is often what carries people through life’s most difficult moments. It gives them the courage to leave behind what is familiar, face uncertainty and begin again in pursuit of a brighter future.
For Rohingya couple Abul and Humaira, that hope has helped guide them through the challenges of building a new life in Canada.
The Rohingya are a Muslim ethnic minority from Myanmar who have faced decades of discrimination and displacement, forcing many families to flee in search of safety and a better future.
Abul and Humaira arrived in Canada about six months ago with their two children, carrying hopes shared by many parents: safety, opportunity and a brighter future. Like many refugees, they have faced language barriers and the challenge of starting over. Yet what stands out most is their determination to build a new life.
When he first met with Amin, a case specialist with DIVERSEcity’s Refugee Integration Support and Employment (RISE) program, Abul was clear about his goals.
“I don’t want anything from the government,” he says. “I want to find a job.”
“They are very dedicated,” says Amin. “From the beginning, they wanted to build an independent life for themselves and their children.”
Today, Abul is working as a dock worker for a shipping company, while Humaira is studying English and caring for their children, who are learning the language and settling into their new lives in Canada. In just six months, Abul earned a promotion after his supervisor recognized the hard work and commitment he brings to the job each day.
Despite the challenges of starting over, the couple remains focused on creating new opportunities for their family.
“They want to do better for their children,” Amin says. “They want to give them opportunities they didn’t have.”
How DIVERSEcity’s RISE program helps refugees build new lives in Canada
Through DIVERSEcity’s RISE program, refugees receive personalized support as they navigate employment, settlement and life in Canada. For families like Abul and Humaira’s, that support helps transform hope into opportunity.
Their story is a reminder that behind every refugee journey is not only loss and uncertainty, but also resilience, courage and the determination to build a brighter future. As we mark World Refugee Day, we honour the strength of refugees like Abul and Humaira, whose perseverance is helping create new opportunities for themselves, their children and their communities
Learn more about our RISE program and other services.