By Zara Khurana, Communications Generalist
At the MOSAIC Awards 2023 held on June 15, one young lady was the recipient (name withheld for privacy) of The Kinbrace Educational Award.
The Kinbrace Educational Award, established for the year 2023, supports the post-secondary educational aspirations of one foreign-born young person who made a refugee claim in Canada (or whose parents made a refugee claim) and is now a protected person, permanent resident, or Canadian citizen. This award holds immense value for young individuals who have overcome challenging circumstances and are now ready to embark on their educational journey. The recipient of this award receives financial support of $20,000 over four consecutive years, with the possibility of renewal each year, providing a total of $20,000 to aid in their educational pursuits.
For the fortunate award recipient, winning the Kinbrace Educational Award has brought immense honour and gratitude. This individual, who arrived in Canada as a young refugee five years ago, has harboured a long-standing dream of becoming an immigration lawyer and supporting fellow immigrants in their journey to Canada. The award is seen as a stepping stone toward realizing this dream, and it fills her with hope and determination. Having experienced the challenges and hardships immigrants face, the young recipient feels a deep connection to those seeking a new life in Canada. The motivation to make the lives of newcomers easier stems from personal experiences and the desire to alleviate the mental pressures and uncertainties that often accompany the journey of resettlement.
Currently pursuing a degree in psychology, the recipient is excited to enter her second semester and take another step toward her goal. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she plans to apply to law school, hoping to eventually obtain a license and practice as an immigration lawyer. Her journey is marked by resilience, determination, and a strong belief in the power of education to transform lives. She, along with her family, sought refuge in Canada due to unsafe conditions in her home country. Although faced with numerous challenges, including financial hardships exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, she managed to secure her first job during her senior year of high school. Despite the ongoing struggles, she remains determined to achieve her dreams and has found herself in a better place compared to her earlier circumstances.
The recipient’s introduction to MOSAIC, an organization dedicated to supporting refugees and immigrants, came through her mother. MOSAIC’s commitment to helping newcomers inspired the recipient to explore opportunities available to them, leading her to apply for the Kinbrace Educational Award. The connection with MOSAIC has proven invaluable, providing hope and a warm sense of encouragement as she embarks on her educational journey.
The Kinbrace Educational Award serves as a beacon of hope for young refugees in Canada, providing them with financial assistance to pursue their educational goals. The story of this deserving award recipient reflects the resilience and determination of individuals who have overcome adversity and remain committed to making a positive impact on their communities.
Learn more about the MOSAIC Awards 2023.
