Impact Story
Navigating New Beginnings:
Abimbola’s Refugee Journey
In September 2022, Abimbola Oluwaseun fled Nigeria from violence and personal threats. When she arrived in Canada as a refugee claimant, she was pregnant and was accompanied by her two-year old son. A former Grade 5 teacher and a post-secondary student, Abimbola dreamed of a career in caregiving.
Shortly upon arrival, she sought refuge at one of COSTI’s temporary shelters and later gave birth to a healthy son. With COSTI’s support, Abimbola accessed resources, information and training materials, and completed the Personal Support Worker program at Pharma-Medical Science College in November 2023. She now volunteers at a local food bank, giving back to the community.
Abimbola was awarded a bursary from the Community Police Liaison Committee for her educational achievements and community contributions. She moved into her own apartment with her children in October 2023, thanks to the Canada Ontario Housing Benefit program.
She dreams of reuniting with her family, pursuing a nursing career, and becoming a Canadian citizen while continuing to give back to the community that supported her. “This is just the beginning,” expresses Abimbola.
