Today, The University of Winnipeg honours World Refugee Day. Each year, the United Nations designates June 20 as a day to recognize refugees around the globe for their resilience in rebuilding their lives in new countries.
UWinnipeg helps refugee students come to Canada and obtain a degree thanks to an ongoing collaboration between Immigrant and Refugee Student Services (IRSS) and the World University Service of Canada (WUSC).
IRSS was established by UWinnipeg to facilitate immigrant and refugee students’ transition to campus life. Since its inception 45 years ago, IRSS continues to broaden its role to help meet the changing needs of students by offering supports to encourage their success.
“IRSS raises awareness of refugees’ hardships, fosters solidarity, and advocates for their social and academic support,” said David Atem (BA 07), Coordinator, IRSS. “Every stage of their life is a transition, starting with the day they became refugees and continuing with the challenge of navigating the host country’s complex system, and offering supports to help them obtain their UWinnipeg degrees.”
Atem knows the refugee experience firsthand. A former South Sudanese child soldier and war refugee, he arrived at UWinnipeg in 2003.
IRSS’s work today is exemplified by Sijali Vicky, a South Sudanese refugee from Uganda, and Vivien Twin from the Democratic Republic of Congo. They both arrived at UWinnipeg in August 2024 through the WUSC Student Refugee Program. These are their stories.
Sijali Vicky
Sijali Vicky’s arrival on campus is clear in her mind: autumn was in the air, and she was excited to start learning at UWinnipeg and experience life in a new country.
Vicky is grateful for WUSC and the support of the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA). She said their assistance motivates her in her studies and in daily life. She is currently studying psychiatric nursing, a field she chose because she recognizes, from her experience, how mental health can silently impact lives.
“It’s often misunderstood or ignored, especially in communities where awareness is limited,” Vicky said.
Vicky is enjoying her UWinnipeg experience. Her statistics class was challenging, but she found comfort in the support of her professors and classmates.
“I love UWinnipeg,” Vicky said. “The small classes, the supportive environment, and the helpful resources. The professors are accessible and genuinely care about their students’ success.”
As Vicky focuses on her studies, she encouraged her fellow students to prioritize their mental health.
“When your mental health suffers, every part of your life—studies, relationships, and goals—are affected. Taking time to rest, seek support, and manage stress isn’t a weakness, it’s essential for success. A strong and healthy mind is the foundation that supports every achievement and every dream.”
Vivien Twin
Ten years ago, Vivien Twin left his home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and fled to Malawi. He spent several years in a refugee camp before coming to UWinnipeg with the assistance of WUSC. Twin recognizes the importance of education and how it transforms lives.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Twin is studying business administration.
“I want to create jobs and opportunities, not just for myself but for others too,” he said. “UWinnipeg has been amazing so far.”
Like Vicky, Twin finds his professors helpful and caring and he enjoys meeting people from all over the world.
“It wasn’t easy at first, adapting to a new country, a new climate, a new language—but I’ve found a community here that makes it feel like I belong,” Twin said.
After graduation, he plans to work in community development or run his own business helping new immigrants and underprivileged communities. One day, he also hopes to return to the Democratic Republic of Congo and work on economic development to help his compatriots.
