In some developing countries, getting an education can be dangerous. Whether due to war or political repression, students are often persecuted, imprisoned or forced into exile. Since 1978, WUSC's Student Refugee Program (SRP) has enabled over 850 student refugees from countries such as Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Zaire, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Rwanda and Burma to resume their studies at Canadian universities and colleges. The 2005-2006 SRP sponsored students have arrived!

From Camp to Campus
Through the SRP, approximately 45 student refugees enter Canada every year to study as permanent residents. Each refugee is sponsored by a WUSC group on campus that raises the necessary funds to support the student for one year and negotiates with their college or university to waive tuition, residence fees or donate other items.

WUSC ensures the success of the program by facilitating the overseas selection of the refugee student in cooperation with international agencies and the Canadian government, placing them at a Canadian post-secondary institution, and providing training and guidance to the sponsoring groups.

The only program of its kind in Canada, the SRP enables individual refugees to pursue their education and a better life in an environment free of violence or fear. At the same time it offers students and faculty on Canadian campuses a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about refugee and development issues.

Your donation can make a difference
The SRP is funded in part through the generous donations of individuals. If you are interested in helping make a difference in the life of a student refugee, call Robyn Keon at 1-800-267-8699.

AT WESTERN,

      Last year was a very exciting year for WUSC Western as it is our first successful year of the Student Refugee Program! We were thrilled to welcome our student Innocent Oketa Lotara to Canada to continue his studies. This incredible initiative could not have been successful without WUSC Western's many partnerships on UWO campus. Financial Services, Housing and Ancillary Services, Hospitality Services, The University Students Council, The Book Store, International Students Services, International Admissions, and the Centre for New Students are some of the many departments on campus who have helped us to succeed in supporting Innocent's stay in Canada.

       Welcoming Innocent into our community has already proven to be an incredible experience, but we are looking forward to a wonderful years ahead!

A Message From Innocent:

"Describing how thankful I am to WUSC and the UWO community in general, is like trying to reach for a shooting star......it is impossible.

Having had a troublesome background in Sudan, and a worse one while living in Kenya as a refugee, the hopes of ever attaining higher education was a pipe dream to me if not virtually impossible. However, I can now fulfill my dreams without having to worry about paying my tuition, and getting basic needs. I can study, travel freely, and work during summer to get some income, without ever facing discrimination, just because i am a refugee.

WUSC has made it possible for me to learn in an environment where, everyone is so loving and caring and so much willing to help in any situation.
In general, WUSC has transformed my life and has "taught me how to fish, instead of giving me a fish".

Though my heart still goes out to those unfortunate, victims of war and
discrimination, who haven't had this same chance, I know that as a club we can do something to restore many shattered dreams and goals.

I am forever grateful to all WUSC exec, members and the UWO community in
general. God bless you all. Innocent. "

-Innocent Oketa Lotara

Erinn and Innocent