When Amin arrived in Canada from Ethiopia in September 2023, he carried more than just luggage.
He carried the dreams of going to university, supporting his family, and building a sustainable, supported life. Despite having these dreams, Amin carried the weight of being separated from his father for 15 years, while he remained in a refugee camp in Ethiopia.
Arriving in Canada was exciting, but brought its challenges.
“When I was in Toronto, before we arrived in Halifax, I lost my luggage. All my documents were gone. Everything, including proof of my high school education. That was the hope I had when I came to Canada, to start university. I felt so stressed.”
After spending some time in Halifax, Amin and his family relocated to Saint John. Like many newcomer families, it was a struggle to find housing.
“We stayed in a hotel for two months because there wasn’t any housing. We were a new immigrant family, and it was difficult.”
Despite these challenges, Amin was determined to move forward. He became involved with the YMCA through different programming and volunteering opportunities while searching for employment. After months of job searching with little success, he began to lose hope.
Then, a friend of his mother’s introduced him to the Saint John Learning Exchange.
Amin wasn’t sure what to expect.
“I didn’t expect what I got at the Learning Exchange. They welcomed me so warmly. They said, ‘Never give up. We will try to help you. You’re not alone.’ When they said that to me, I felt confidence again. I felt like there were people who wanted to help me.”
Those words became the turning point Amin didn’t know he needed.
He first enrolled in the WESLinks program, where he not only strengthened his employment and communication skills, but also found a community that made him feel welcome.
“I didn’t feel like I had only been there for three months. I felt like I had been there for a long time because everyone made me feel like I belonged. We always had ceremonies, activities, and friendly competitions. We celebrated each other.”
As Amin’s confidence grew, so did his ambitions. He connected with SJLE’s Post-Secondary Coach, Janelle, to explore the path toward college.
Although he completed the courses he needed, one hurdle remained. Passing the required English course proved difficult. Amin enrolled in different courses and made multiple attempts, determined not to give up on his dream.
Throughout this time, he continued supporting his mother through health challenges while working tirelessly to reunite his family by bringing his father to Canada.
Janelle continued to look for another pathway.
Together, they found an English 120 course that gave Amin the opportunity he needed to succeed. He passed the course and was accepted into the Social Service Community Worker program.
To Amin, Janelle became much more than an advisor.
“I don’t see Janelle as just Janelle. I always say she’s like my mom because she stood beside me during my difficult times. She knew my story.”
Along the way, SJLE helped remove barriers that could have prevented Amin from succeeding by providing a laptop, textbooks, bus passes, software, and digital literacy support, allowing him to focus on achieving his goals.
As he prepared for college, Amin also connected with SJLE’s WorkLinks team. They helped him prepare for employment, provided the safety equipment he needed, and supported him in securing a position with Dowd Roofing.
The experience gave Amin more than a job. It gave him confidence, valuable Canadian work experience, and the opportunity to be part of a team.
Today, Amin is preparing to begin the Social Service Community Worker program.
At the same time, another dream is finally becoming reality.
After more than 15 years apart, Amin’s father will soon join the family in Canada.
Looking back, Amin realizes that what he found at the Saint John Learning Exchange was far more than support with education or employment.
He found people who believed in him before he fully believed in himself.
The dreams Amin carried when he arrived in Canada are no longer just dreams. They are becoming his reality, one opportunity, one achievement, and one act of support at a time.
