By Evonne Chen
Mahwish, a dedicated BESIP student and a newcomer herself, possesses an unwavering passion for aiding fellow immigrants in their settlement process within Canada.
Originally hailing from Pakistan, she spent a decade residing in the UAE before eventually finding her new home in Toronto, Canada. Despite having arrived in the country only a year ago, Mahwish has already amassed a wealth of incredible experiences and cherished memories.
Reflecting on her time in Canada, Mahwish exclaims,
Even though it has only been a year, it has been nothing short of amazing!”
Presently, Mahwish is actively participating in the BESIP bridging program – Bridge to Employment in Services for Immigrant Populations at the Mennonite New Life Centre. This specialized program caters to professionals who hold higher education degrees from their home countries and have obtained permanent residency in Canada. These individuals harbor a keen interest in pursuing careers related to immigration and settlement, with a specific focus on assisting various groups, including refugees, in their journey to Canada. The program encompasses a broad spectrum of subjects beyond settlement, fostering collaboration with different departments within the organization. Each day presents Mahwish with the opportunity to acquire new knowledge, which she and her classmates eagerly embrace.
While the program demands significant dedication, Mahwish finds it to be immensely rewarding. Her decision to pursue this career path stems from the wealth of transferable skills she brings from both Pakistan and the UAE. Her background in customer service and trade marketing empowers her to excel in working with people. However, above all else, her primary motivation lies in supporting others who face challenges like those she has encountered. She says, “I have been fortunate to receive tremendous support from settlement workers as a new immigrant myself. They guided me in navigating my career in Canada and made the transition extremely smooth.”
Thanks to their help, I now enjoy a fulfilling life in Canada. It is essential for me to give back to society after receiving such incredible assistance.” – Mahwish
She is determined to help them overcome these obstacles and thrive in their new lives.
