Nathaniel’s Story, World University Service of Canada
Today marks the commemoration of World Refugee Day. The day comes with both sad and exciting memories. It not only reminds me of the nine and a half years I spent in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya, without the presence and support of family, but also marks fourteen days of great accomplishments and achievements— as I graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Regina.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge World University Service of Canada (WUSC)’s Student Refugee Program (SRP) and the continued support from Local Committees, volunteers and partners in the University of Saskatchewan. With exceptional support from WUSC, I not only successfully integrated into Canadian society, but also happily completed my Bachelor of Social Work and wrote an upcoming book, ‘Christian Faith among the Jieeng’.
WUSC’s Student Refugee Program (www.wusc.ca/srp) stands out as the only education and resettlement program that provides hope, resources and opportunities for refugee students. Apart from the SRP initiatives in different Canadian campuses, WUSC also engages Canadian students, university and college partners, and communities in fundraising activities that empower youth, women and children to achieve their potential dreams overseas. Different Local Committees and individual donors play a huge role in raising money and increasing awareness through the ‘Shine a Light’ Campaign, an initiative that provides refugee girls with the skills and resources they need to thrive at schools in Kenya and Malawi.
I feel proud when I witness WUSC continuing its task to support refugees through the SRP, a program that puts resettlement and education in one basket. As a former beneficiary of the program, I would attest to the fact that when humanity speaks for itself, WUSC will stand tall and proud of its service to humanity and the subsequent empowerment of young people from different refugee camps around the world.
About Nathaniel Athian Deng
Nathaniel Athian Deng, 28, fled South Sudan to Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya, where he lived for nine and a half years before coming to Canada through World University Service of Canada (WUSC)’s Student Refugee Program (SRP) in 2010. Athian enrolled in the College of Arts and Science, Environmental Studies and Psychology at the University of Saskatchewan before transferring to the University of Regina where he recently graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work on June 6, 2014.
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by Nathaniel Athian Deng, Canada
posted: Friday, 20th June, 2014
