In a groundbreaking constitutional amendment this March, Conrad Grebel University College students voted almost unanimously to increase their residence fees by ten dollars a term, in addition to regular fee increases. This levy will help to fund expenses to allow a refugee student to live at the college while studying at the University of Waterloo.
Currently, the University of Waterloo supports one refugee student. Next year it plans to support two, with hopes of increasing this number in the future.
Justus Zimmerly, Conrad Grebel Student Council President, thinks
it is important that Grebel participates in this project to set an example for the greater university community, and show that we really can make a difference. It will also have an enormous effect on the life of the refugee student, hopefully helping not only them but many others as well.
Partnered with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) and University of Waterloo, Grebel will be solely responsible for taking care of residence fees through the student levy and additional fundraising efforts. The university will waive tuition fees, and University of Waterloo and WUSC will select an appropriate student and take care of all paperwork. In their first term, the student will focus on language training. After this immersive crash course in English, the student will begin studies at University of Waterloo.
Participation in this program is an excellent fit with the living/learning values and beliefs foundational to Conrad Grebel, including promoting social justice, awareness of international issues, engagement among people with diverse backgrounds, and empowerment. In addition, the refugee student’s presence in the Grebel community will offer global learning opportunities for Grebel students who may otherwise not have a chance to experience development issues first hand through internship opportunities.
Zimmerly said,
I believe that a refugee student living at Grebel will help to create a better understanding of each other through daily interaction. I am excited about this opportunity because I think it's a demonstration that we really do care about making a difference in the world.
Zimmerly’s comments reflect Grebel’s enthusiasm for this project. In fact, Grebel’s Peace Society chose this term to focus on learning about and understanding issues facing refugees. The group wanted to learn particularly about how refugee issues affect the community and what experiences refugees have while integrating into the community. They explored these matters through hosting speakers and discussions and volunteering at organizations that work with refugees.
Darlana Dyck, Peace Society member, said,
We wanted to work with an issue that was closer to home. We found it difficult to focus on issues that were across the world so we looked to see what we could do in our own community.
Volunteering mainly at the Kitchener Waterloo Reception Centre, part of the government Resettlement Assistance Program, students helped with a variety of tasks. Some of the jobs included proof-reading letters and resumes, filling out forms for health cards, taking clients to the bank or to receive their Social Insurance Number cards. Other tasks included helping with some of the first orientation that newcomers need like showing how the bus system works and generally welcoming the newcomers.
Dyck explained:
The Reception Centre is the first place that these refugees come when they reach Canada. They remember this place as the beginning their life in Canada. To be a part of that initial welcome is a really neat opportunity.