Westman Immigrant Services (WIS) located in Brandon, Manitoba, has supported many inspiring newcomers, including a determined single mother of eight. Her journey from Somalia to Canada is a testament to resilience, hope, and the pursuit of a better future, despite facing overwhelming challenges.

Below is her story, told in her own words, about how she and her family found safety, support, and a sense of belonging in Brandon with the help of WIS and the local community.

My family once lived in Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia. We were forced to flee across the border to Ethiopia because of war and persecution. As a minority, there was no safety for us. We found refuge in a large camp in Ethiopia, where over 10,000 people lived. That camp became our home for more than 13 years.

Life in the camp was incredibly difficult. Food, water, and safety were scarce, and there was little access to education or medical care. My youngest child was born there, but tragedy also struck when my husband passed away—a day we call our “black day.” Despite the hardships, I worked tirelessly to provide for my children. I believed deeply in the power of education and made it my mission to ensure my children could attend school. Some schooling was provided through support from the United Nations and international aid groups. I held onto hope that education would pave the way to a better future.

In April 2024, that hope turned into an opportunity. My children and I, now a family of eight, were given the chance to come to Canada for a new beginning. As a single mother, I was nervous but determined. When we arrived at the Winnipeg Airport, the staff greeted us with food, water, and warm smiles. They brought us to Brandon, where we immediately felt safe and welcomed.

The WIS team helped us settle in. They provided temporary housing and taught us essential skills, like how to shop for groceries, rent a home, and navigate medical appointments. Through WIS and Assiniboine College, we accessed English language assessments and classes. We were also encouraged to volunteer, which helped us integrate into the community.

Of course, challenges remain. Living on the North Hill of the city, transportation is an issue. In the winter, taking the bus or walking for an hour in the cold is difficult. My older children are eager to contribute but need employment opportunities to save for further education. It’s stressful thinking about how to fund education for all of them. For those who completed some education in Ethiopia, it’s unclear how to transfer their qualifications to Manitoba.

Still, there is so much to be proud of. My youngest four children are thriving in school, while the older four are attending English classes or working part-time. Two of my daughters are WIS interpreters, and I am working as a casual cleaner. Together, our family enjoys volunteering in the community, which has helped us feel more connected.

Brandon has become a true home for us. We are adapting to the weather—just like Canadians—and are deeply grateful to the federal and provincial governments and WIS for giving us this chance after 14 long years of waiting. The warmth of the Brandon community, with its smiling faces and open hearts, has made all the difference.

Looking ahead, I dream of seeing my children achieve their career goals, buying a house, becoming Canadian citizens, and continuing to give back through volunteering. I also hope and pray for scholarships to help with their education.

The road won’t be easy, but we will face it with patience, determination, and gratitude.