Bow Valley College (BVC) President and CEO Sharon Carry, and her daughter Stephanie Talbot, have donated $10,000 towards the Stephanie Talbot Scholarship. This award has been given to two Syrian refugee learners studying English Language Learning (ELL) at BVC.
The second donation was awarded to Mohammad Al Hamoud in a ceremony at the College on Friday, February 4, 2016. Al Hamoud is a young married man with two boys, and another child on the way. He fled Syria and was living in refugee camps in Lebanon before he finally came to Canada on March 3, 2015.
The first donation was given to Mohamed Alabboud in December, 2015. He is a married father with three kids, who came to Canada as a refugee in May, 2014. The donations will hopefully ease some financial pressures, allowing both learners to focus on their studies.
"We understand how difficult it can be for newcomers to Canada, as they struggle with learning a new language, finding work, and getting used to a new culture. We hope this gift will make it a bit easier for our learners and their families, as they pursue their studies," said Carry.
BVC helps refugees through such programs as English Language Learning, Corporate Readiness Training, Directions for Immigrants, and the Centre for Excellence in Immigrant and Intercultural Advancement. We also provide services and support to help learners settle into Canadian culture, studies, and the job hunting process.
