Ameen Alnaser

Ameen is an International Business student at the University of Manitoba and is a former WUSC student from the 2018 cohort. He was also the president of the University of Manitoba WUSC local committee for 3 years. 

He is passionate about empowering refugee youth through education. Ameen loves to travel and explore new places. With his global perspective and unwavering determination, Ameen is poised to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Dhieu Mayom Deng

Dhieu is a WUSC alumni from the 2020 cohort. Currently, he is at the Glendon Campus of York University in Toronto, ON. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences with a strong passion of pursuing a degree in Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Dhieu is a member of Maisha Canada and the South Sudanese Youth in Canada (SSYC) which provide mentorship to students and youth. 

Dhieu is a people's person, was born on Christmas day and his favorite movie is The Three Idiots. He enjoys reading, giving back to his community, activism to ensure that everyone has access to education, loves socializing and travelling. 

Honoline Francis

Honoline is a Rwandan woman raised in Malawi and who has spent most of her adult life in Toronto, ON. Over the course of two years, she served as President of Ontario Tech University's Student Refugee Program. She graduated from Ontario Tech University with an Honor's degree in Kinesiology with a focus in Rehabilitation.

She has worked in student financial services departments at Ontario Tech University, University of Toronto Scarborough, and University of Guelph. Currently, she is a Financial Aid Counsellor. As part of her job, she works closely with WUSC students and incoming students on bursaries and government aid funding.

In her free time, Honoline loves to read books, listen to music, and study God's word. Her passion is helping people from all walks of life and advocating for those in need.

Omar M'keyo

Omar was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. When the war broke out in 1997, Omar fled and settled in Malawi. They finished their high school there and became a language teacher for students of all ages, including candidates for the WUSC SRP. 

Through this experience, Omar became a WUSC candidate and was sponsored by students at Thompson Rivers University where he graduated with double majors in Economics and Political Science. During this time, he was organized dinners and other fundraising activities. The Centre AOCI provides literacy classes and other life skills training to the local population.

Currently, Omar lives in Calgary and is studying Development Studies at the University of Calgary. He volunteers with an organization called Baraza Letu which helps single parent households and refugees. His work focused on the wellbeing of the youth and children. Omar also works in the financial industry and maintains customer's accounts. Omar manages his time between work, volunteering and politics. In his political activities, he unsuccessfully ran for City Council twice. He is also interested in all matters regarding elections and does part time seasonal work with Election Alberta.

Shukri Jibril

Shukri came to Canada as part of the WUSC 2017 cohort and studied at Sheridan College where she graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing degree in 2021. 

She likes to define herself as someone who can achieve anything she sets her mind to and that giving up is the only hindrance to achieving her goals. She believes that her experiences has shaped her into who she is today and using setbacks to guide herself.

Yayo Vuni

Yayo is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Development Studies and a graduate diploma in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies at York University. She also holds a Bachelor's degree from Acadia University where she majored in Sociology and Political Science. 

Passionate about community service and advocacy, Yayo actively engages in initiatives that address pressing social issues. Her commitment also extends to global matters as she demonstrates a keen interest in diplomacy and global issues. Her academic pursuits reflect her dedication to policy development and social justice particularly focusing on education and women's issues within the Global South. Yayo's multifaceted interests and determination make her a promising force for positive change.

Skylar Petrah (they/them) 

Skyler is an enthusiastic emerging talent based in Toronto, Ontario. A recent graduate with an HBA from the University of Toronto, Skylar is passionate about human rights and social justice. 

They advocate for Diversity and Inclusion, particularly in the multicultural Canadian society, using their voice to contribute to the inclusive and diverse society we all aspire to live in. 

 Outside of acting, Skylar enjoys catching up on the latest films at TIFF or Cineplex, writing, reading, and listening to music.

Soleil-Tahani Shraida 

I am a WUSC alumni from the 2020 cohort. I am currently pursuing an Honours degree in the faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University (SFU). I have a strong passion for research and aspire to pursue a Master of Science at SFU, followed by a medical degree. 

I am preparing to defend my Honours thesis by the end of this year, which focuses on the side effects of second-generation INSTIs on women living with HIV."

Uwimana Valentine

My name is Uwimana Valentine an SRP student of 2023 cohort from Uganda, kyaka2 refugee camp. Currently, I’m studying social work at Vieux Montreal college in Montreal city.

I’m passionate about supporting, helping and sharing my experience to people who going are through the situation that I have already experienced. With a refugee background, I have witnessed many challenges that face new students while arriving in Canada. I’m dedicated to walking alongside these youth as they navigate their new lives, providing guidance, support and advocacy. My goal is to empower them to thrive, build connections and realize their dreams. 

Through volunteering, I aim to create a safe, inclusive and culturally sensitive space for them to build confidence and self-esteem, to develop life skills and knowledge, to navigate the Canadian system and culture. I have been engaged in activities of my local comity, a member of comity intercultural of school and this summer I’m working with kids at day camp. I like working out, watching movies and reading. Chili panier is my favorite plate.

Valery Bishala K. (He / Him)

I am originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. I am a former refugee. I am a youth ambassador, a gender equality activist and a former member of the Refugee Education Council. 

I am a WUSC / SRP fellow, the chairperson and founder of the LuQuLuQu Kampala Youth Club, a male survivor, a tech lover and passionate about social actions. I’m currently enrolled in the program of Computer science at the Cégep de Sherbrooke.

Yalda Hussaini 

Yalda is originally from Afghanistan, experienced life as a refugee in Pakistan before moving to Canada in 2022 through the WUSC Student Refugee Program. Currently, Yalda Hussaini is pursuing a degree in Business Administration Management at Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ontario. 

In addition to her studies, Yalda Hussaini actively contributes to the college community as a Student Ambassador and Resident Advisor, roles in which they assist prospective and current students while fostering an inclusive campus environment. Passionate about empowering refugees through education, Yalda Hussaini leverages their own experiences to inspire and support others 

Tasneem Hariri

I left Syria in 2012 after the war and moved to Jordan. In August 2022, I had the opportunity to relocate to Canada, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Just two weeks after arriving, I secured my first job as a teacher at a weekend school. This experience was both new and rewarding, as I learned as much from my students as they learned from me.

Currently, I am studying Electrical and Computer Engineering at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Alongside my studies, I work as a Job Developer at the Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society. Balancing two jobs and my studies, I firmly believe that with determination and effort, you can achieve your goals or even something better. Always eager to learn, help, and grow, I am dedicated to continuous improvement and community support.

Yosia Ivan Malipo

My name is Yosia Ivan Malipo, and i am 26-year-old originally from the Democratic Republic Of Congo, i have embarked on an exciting journey in Canada. i resided in Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, for nearly two years.

I am Currently pursuing studies at Yukon University, I am dedicated to the field of Hearth Sciences, exploring the intricacies of this specialized area. This educational pursuit reflects a deep-seated passion for understanding the natural world and the processes that govern it.

Beyond academic endeavors, i embrace the cultural diversity and outdoor opportunities that Yukon offers. Whether playing soccer, engaging in community events, or furthering academic aspirations.

Mohamed Abdi

I am Mohamed Abdi, originally from Somalia, and I lived in the Dadaab refugee camps before moving to Canada through the WUSC Student Refugee Program in 2018. I studied Applied Mathematics and Statistics with a minor in Management at the University of Toronto. 

Alongside my studies, I actively volunteered with WUSC at the University of Toronto Scarborough and engaged in various community service initiatives throughout the Greater Toronto Area. I am passionate about empowering refugee youth through education and am dedicated to helping incoming and current SRP students with similar refugee backgrounds successfully navigate life in Canada. I am Eager to learn and share my experiences with the WUSC community.