This spring, UWinnipeg celebrated five World University Services of Canada (WUSC) refugee students graduating from the University of Winnipeg, the largest contingent since the program’s inception in 1980.
UWinnipeg’s Immigrant and Refugee Student Services (IRSS) department oversees the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program (SRP), that covers tuition and living expenses through student levies.
David Mabior Atem (BA 07), Coordinator/Head of the IRSS plays a major role in making the WUSC students settle comfortably at UWinnipeg.
Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Harriet Kabasomi grew up in a refugee camp in Uganda. Kabasomi is a member of a vulnerable population and has witnessed injustice firsthand.
Never be afraid to ask for help and to take full advantage of the support around you.
Harriet Kabasomi
She graduated with Bachelor of Arts in Conflict Resolution Studies.
Even before arriving on campus, Kabasomi credits the incredible WUSC and SRP support she received that guided her prescreening process to course registration and housing arrangements.
Kabasomi describes her UWinnipeg experience as truly transformative. “The support I received from IRSS, the WUSC local committee, professors, and staff was incredible. Everyone was kind, understanding, and supportive, which made a huge difference in my journey,” said Kabasomi. “Their encouragement helped me adjust, grow, and ultimately succeed in completing my studies.”
Kabasomi describes how everything was thoughtfully organized for her prior to her arrival. She was welcomed at the airport and guided by the IRSS team in her first days in Winnipeg, which made the transition easier.
“When I arrived at UWinnipeg, I met David Atem, the Head of IRSS, who warmly welcomed me and introduced me to my academic advisors, first Lee Hong and later Gian Pau. Their guidance and support played a big role in my academic journey,” shared Kabasomi.
From her very first meeting with the IRSS team a strong bond was created that made her feel welcomed, supported, and reassured that she was part of the UWinnipeg family, a feeling that will stay beyond her graduation.
Post graduation she plans to use the knowledge and skills she has gained to support communities in need. As an orphan and a survivor of a refugee camp, she understands what supports are needed to help others.
“These experiences inspired me to gain the skills and knowledge needed to give back and uplift communities facing hardship and conflict,” said Kabasomi.
Her advice for new students is “never be afraid to ask for help and to take full advantage of the support around you. Keep going, even when things feel difficult. Believe in yourself, trust your journey, and keep your faith strong.”
Her experience has inspired her to improve the lives of other vulnerable people. Coming to Canada through a sponsorship program has been a life-changing opportunity that has allowed her to pursue her passion for helping others and supporting communities in need.
June 20 is World Refugee Day. The University of Winnipeg honours this day, which was designated by the United Nations as a day to recognize refugees around the globe for their resilience in rebuilding their lives in new countries.
