I was born in Somalia but raised in Kenya’s Dadaab refugee camp, where ration cards, corrugated iron roofs, and dust storms shaped my early years. Even in that environment, my mother insisted that education was “a passport that no border guard can confiscate,” so I spent evenings under a kerosene lamp solving math problems on the margins of already full notebooks.
In 2018, I earned a place in the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program and flew to Toronto to study Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Toronto. The transition was immense—but I was not alone.
Mentorship and Structured Support
From 2020 to 2025, I was supported through Elevate Scholars’ mentorship program, receiving the guidance and resources needed to succeed academically, professionally, and socially. Through structured mentorship, monthly study circles, and emergency financial support, I was able to continue my studies, strengthen my skills, and integrate into Canadian society despite the challenges of pandemic lockdowns.
In May 2025, the program I benefited from became formalized when Elevate Scholars registered as a non-profit organization. Today, the organization continues to provide mentorship, academic guidance, and financial support to refugee students across Canada. These programs are structured, ongoing, and open to all eligible participants, ensuring public benefit and equitable access to educational opportunities.
From Beneficiary to Mentor
In June 2025, I graduated “Magna Cum Laude” from the University of Toronto—a milestone made possible by Elevate Scholars’ guidance and resources. Inspired by this support, I now give back as a peer mentor, assist new Student Refugee Program arrivals, and contribute to program evaluation, helping the organization continuously improve its impact.
Through these programs, refugee students gain the guidance, resources, and community support they need to succeed academically and socially. My story illustrates how Elevate Scholars fulfills its mission: to advance education and facilitate the settlement of refugee youth, creating opportunities that benefit the broader Canadian community.