With high wind chills, snow, freezing rain, icy roads and sidewalks, winter on Canada鈥檚 East Coast can be challenging at its worst. For those who are set to experience such conditions for the first time, it be can particularly difficult.
It was with that in mind that the started a Winter Clothing Bursary 30 years ago to support student refugees new to Canada and the university. 聽
Today it continues to provide invaluable support for students who have come to Dal through the Student Refugee Program, an initiative of the World University Service of Canada (WUSC).
鈥淭he Student Refugee Program has a long history of helping young refugees achieve their dreams, providing resources and access to post-secondary education,鈥� says DAA President Courtney Larkin (BMgmt鈥�10). 鈥淚t鈥檚 an amazing organization and we鈥檙e happy to play a role in helping them settle into their new community and climate.鈥�
Preparing for colder days ahead
Emma Cruddas, chair of WUSC AV俱乐部 and a fourth-year International Development student says the support from the DAA is a huge help for students who are already experiencing a lot of adjustments in their first few months in Canada.
鈥淲e鈥檙e very grateful for the DAA鈥檚 funding. WUSC provides many resources to help students through their first year of university, but the cost of preparing for winter can be a big expense,鈥� she explains.
To help students prepare, members of the WUSC AV俱乐部 committee accompany them on a winter clothing shopping trip.
Emma Cruddas, chair of WUSC AV俱乐部, and the students on this year's shopping trip.
While Emma says the outings are a lot of fun, they鈥檙e also an opportunity to help students understand what they鈥檒l need for the colder days ahead.
鈥淪omeone may look at a pair of ear muffs and wonder why in the world they would ever need them,鈥� she says with a laugh. 鈥淧eople aren鈥檛 quite sure what鈥檚 necessary and useful鈥hopping turns into a bit of a winter lesson.鈥�
Shared experience
One WUSC member who is always happy to give advice and pitch in is Luka Igali. He knows firsthand what the students are experiencing.
Luka, who is completing his final year of studies in both Engineering and Economics, came to Dal in 2010 through the Student Refugee Program. Growing up in South Sudan, he says his first winter in Halifax was a bit of a shock, but the Winter Clothing Bursary made things a lot easier. 聽
鈥淭he bursary along with the help of other students made all the difference,鈥� says Luka. 鈥淧eople had been telling me about winter, but it鈥檚 hard to fathom when you鈥檝e never seen snow before. The first snowfall was beautiful, but so cold.
鈥淚 think it鈥檚 reassuring for students to speak with someone who has had a shared experience. This is my way of helping others and staying involved with the WUSC initiative.鈥�
Stronger together
For the DAA, they also see it as a way to give back to students and contribute to their positive experiences at Dal.
鈥淲e鈥檝e supported every student who has come to Dal through this program since it began,鈥� says Courtney. 鈥淎s alumni, we take great pride in finding ways to help current students, and ensure they know that they are part of a strong community.鈥�