Sheridan Student Refugee Program

In September 2016 Sheridan and the Sheridan Student Union welcomed its first refugee student to campus as part of the Student Refugee Program (SRP) and, to date, has supported five students to pursue their education in a safe environment.

Sheridan continues to partner with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) to sponsor student refugees through the program, which was created by WUSC in 1978. Sheridan is one of over 95 Canadian schools, and the first Ontario College, to welcome refugees from around the world as students and permanent residents.

What is the Student Refugee Program?

The SRP provides students who have been displaced by war or other events with hope by combining resettlement with postsecondary education and the chance for a better future.

Students in refugee camps are selected by WUSC representatives who support students with English, ensure they are prepared academically and otherwise, and are able to meet Canadian immigration criteria.

Crucial to the program’s success is the local committee where employees play a crucial role in the sponsorship of refugee students. The local committee provides critical day-to-day social and academic support to SRP students.

“Education is transformational. We believe in the value of postsecondary education for all and the power of working collectively to support one another. As global citizens, we have obligations and opportunities to live our values and the SRP is a perfect opportunity to do so.” - Maria Lucido Bezely

“The impact of this program has a ripple effect within the students’ families and communities. By providing refugee youth with opportunities to continue their education, we also reignite their families’ hopes for the future as we equip their children with the knowledge, skills and experiences to build a brighter future for themselves and their families.” - WUSC

Read about Rafat Alsayyed, who participated in the program at Sheridan from 2017-2018.

To learn more about the student refugee program, visit Student Refugee Program (SRP) - Finding Hope in Higher Education (wusc.ca)