Refugee students at U of L receive financial help
Students at the University of Lethbridge who started an initiative to help refugee students achieve their education have received a boost from an international educator and former U of L professor, Al Barnhill.
Recently, Barnhill made a donation to support refugee students sponsored through the local World University Service of Canada (WUSC) program at U of L. The WUSC Student Refugee Program sponsors refugee students for one year, but some students may not be financially able to continue their education without some assistance.
Barnhill learned about the financial struggle of refugee students through teaching and consulting in 19 countries.
“My experience is that student refugees are incredibly hard working, motivated and have overcome huge obstacles to seek an education,” says Barnhill. “In many cases, they are learning a new culture, even a new language, in addition to their studies. Providing a small amount of financial assistance while they build their life in Canada is important to their long-term success.”
The Syrian refugee crisis, which made global headlines in 2015, encouraged Elise Pundyk and other concerned U of L students to take action. The students joined forces with Anne Dymond, professor of art history, and formed a local WUSC committee.
Within a few months the membership grew and they had raised $26,000 they needed to bring a qualified United Nations refugee student to the U of L for a year. The funds they received from Barnhill will be used to establish an endowment that will help future student refugees continue their education beyond a year.
“I am excited about the continuation of this program because of the impact is has on so many lives,” says Pundyk. “It affects not only the refugee students who will benefit and be able to navigate their future differently through increased access to education, but also all the WUSC members who will be touched by the experience of sponsoring a student. The program brings together students of all backgrounds, from all areas of study, under a common purpose, and it enables us to truly see how the work we do can make a difference.”
In the fall of 2016, Abdullah Mouslli, a Syrian refugee, began his studies at the U of L. His experience with the program was life changing and he opted to continue his education following his year of sponsorship. In a 2017 referendum, U of L students voted to support a $2 fee each semester to help sustain the Student Refugee Program.
In the fall of 2018, the U of L welcomed a student from South Sudan, with plans to accept another student refugee in the fall of 2019.
The student support of refugee students through their first year and Barnhill’s donation will provide bursaries to help cover costs for one year of study. To make up the difference in costs, the WUSC committee continues to fundraise and has a gala scheduled for April 6, at 5 p.m. at the Lethbridge Multicultural Centre.
The investment is part of the U of L’s SHINE campaign and highlights the community’s involvement in supporting students and promoting opportunities.
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