Fraser International College and Navitas partner with WUSC to welcome a student refugee with support from GuardMe

Fraser International College (FIC) is partnering with WUSC, or World University Services of Canada, to welcome a student refugee beginning in September 2024 for the Associate of Arts Degree program.

Since 1978, WUSC has supported more than 2,600 young refugees from more than 39 countries of origin at Canadian universities and college campuses through the Student Refugee Program (SRP). The program supports more than 150 refugee students per year to continue their education in safe and supportive environments while preparing for resettlement in Canada.

The program’s success is underpinned by campus-based Local Committees made up of students, alumni, and staff volunteers. These committees raise funds and awareness for the program on their campus and in their community. They also play a critical role in offering day-to-day social and academic support to SRP students. FIC’s Local Committee is comprised of staff and alumni volunteers.

FIC and Navitas are partnering with GuardMe International Insurance to sponsor the student refugee. GuardMe’s $50,000 gift will provide FIC and the WUSC Local Committee with the additional resources required to fully support the student’s journey, settlement into Canada, and their orientation and introduction to academic life at FIC.

Keith Segal, Founder, President, and CEO of GuardMe International Insurance, says he is pleased to support FIC and Navitas in its inaugural sponsorship of a student through the WUSC SRP. This program brings together two of Keith’s lifelong passions: the safe and secure resettlement of refugees into Canada and the life-changing potential of higher education.

“Our purpose is to find solutions that make a difference in people’s lives and our core values include compassion, respect, and collaboration. The goals of the Student Refugee Program align perfectly with these values. It provides a unique pathway to not only transform a deserving student’s life, but also to enrich our communities – one graduate at a time. The GuardMe team wishes the student and the team at FIC every success throughout this important and dynamic learning journey.”

FIC is a partnership between Navitas and Simon Fraser University (SFU) which offers an Associate of Arts degree and a pathway program for international students. It delivers the first year of university courses in small class sizes with additional academic, language and other supports prior to students progressing to SFU in their second year of studies. Established in 2006, FIC has a long track record of nurturing students from diverse regions of the world and backgrounds including those with refugee status.

Sharla Reid, FIC’s Principal and College Director: “Participating in the WUSC program not only transforms the lives of refugee students by providing them access to quality education, but it will also enrich the broader international student community at FIC. The global perspective brought by WUSC students foster a more inclusive and dynamic campus environment. Through shared experiences and cultural exchange, all students gain a deeper understanding of global issues and develop essential skills in empathy, collaboration, and leadership, preparing them to become compassionate global citizens.”

Dr. Brian J.R. Stevenson, President and CEO of Navitas University Partnerships North America: “Navitas is proud to be partnering with WUSC to welcome a student refugee to FIC. WUSC is a deeply respected non-governmental organization which has partnered with Canadian colleges and universities for nearly five decades to make education accessible to student refugees.

“I thank GuardMe for making this project possible through its generous financial support. I also want to thank all staff and instructors at FIC who will be involved in supporting this student through their educational journey, especially the employees who have graciously volunteered to serve on the Local Committee and welcome the student to campus.”