Life as a Refugee 2024: Meet Our Inspirational Lineup
We are thrilled to unveil the lineup for this year's Life as a Refugee (LAAR) event, an occasion dedicated to fostering awareness and empathy towards refugee issues, coinciding with World Refugee Day on June 20th. Join us at Goodwill Industries (255 Horton Street E, London, Ontario) from 5-8:30 PM for an evening filled with insight, cultural richness, and heartfelt stories. Admission is free, so mark your calendars and spread the word!
Emcee Extraordinaire: Saifora Paktiss
Leading our event is the remarkable Saifora Paktiss, a beacon of resilience and determination. Arriving in Canada as a government-assisted refugee in 2021, Saifora brings a wealth of experience in international relations and educational work. Her journey from hardship to empowerment is an inspiration, as she now serves as a Research Coordinator at Western University, while actively engaging with refugee support organizations in London.
Voices of Resilience: Refugee Panel Participants
Joining us on stage are individuals whose stories embody courage and resilience:
Kyala Dorcus Mulasi: A former lawyer and UN advocate from Uganda, Kyala now champions justice at the Solicitor Legal Aid Department in London, fighting for the rights of marginalized communities.
Rohullah Majidzada: Hailing from Afghanistan, Rohullah's journey to self-sufficiency and integration is a testament to his unwavering spirit. From newcomer to Life Skills Worker and Interpreter at the CCLC, his determination knows no bounds.
Aan Kalash: Despite losing his vision at a young age and facing language barriers upon arriving from Kurdistan, Aan's pursuit of business education at Fanshawe College is an inspiration to us all. His strength and determination shine brightly as he works towards his goals.
Keynote Speaker: Anhar Qasam
Prepare to be moved by the compelling words of Anhar Qasam, a former medical doctor from Yemen whose dedication to public health and advocacy knows no bounds. For over 10 years, she developed training materials and Information, Education and Communication materials for health campaigns. She served as the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Information Media Focal Point and oversaw all information released to the media. For over 5 years, she hosted TV shows about women’s and children’s health challenges and how to help overcome them. She came with her children as a refugee to the USA but found the environment to be hostile. Thankfully, Anhar found solace in Canada's inclusive embrace. She is currently pursuing her postgraduate degree and imparting first aid skills through the Red Cross. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of hope and perseverance.
We invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening of solidarity and celebration. Click here to register for the event. Together, let's amplify the voices and stories that remind us of our shared humanity.
We look forward to welcoming you!