Upon arriving in Canada in 2000 after fleeing the civil war in South Sudan, Peter Wol saw a world of opportunities awaiting him. Over the next two decades, he worked in various roles, including at a meat plant, warehouse, and in janitorial services.
Returning to Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic, Wol found himself struggling to secure full-time employment, being limited to part-time positions. He was among the 67 individuals chosen to participate in a refugee hiring event in Regina.
Tracy Kirychuk, an employment facilitator at South Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre, commended the determination of refugee job seekers, highlighting their eagerness to secure employment. Kirychuk emphasized the positive outlook and hope among refugees in Regina, noting the city’s welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
The event, organized by the Regina Open Door Society in collaboration with partner organizations for the second consecutive year, attracted nine local employers committed to hiring new staff. Saima Shafi from the Regina Open Door Society noted the unique aspect of this job fair, where employers offered actual job openings tailored to the pre-screened candidates, resulting in more successful outcomes.
The organizers plan to evaluate the event’s effectiveness by following up with employers to assess its impact and identify areas for enhancement. Shafi highlighted the broader objective of educating employers on the benefits of hiring refugees, emphasizing the positive contribution they can make to the provincial economy.
Neelu Sharma, director of Juzkidin, a non-profit early learning center, expressed the company’s intention to hire individuals interviewed at the event. Sharma emphasized the importance of providing opportunities to refugees and immigrants, drawing from her own experience as an immigrant in Canada and emphasizing the potential for individuals to thrive and integrate into the community through employment opportunities.