TORONTO, April 18, 2006 --  Simon Thon Kuany says he is grateful to each and every York University student who is supporting his first year of university. 

Three cents off of the tuition of each course taken by York University students goes into a fund to support the Student Refugee Program operated through World University Service Canada (WUSC). In a referendum conducted by York students several years ago, a majority voted in favor of the student levy, and the cumulative total of the levy generates enough funds to sponsor the housing, meal and tuition costs of a refugee student for one year.  (Photo: Simon Thon Kuany)

Kuany is a Sudanese refugee who was living in a refugee camp in Kenya, where conditions are harsh. His two brothers and parents are still in the camp, and he and his family are thrilled that he is now in Canada and has the opportunity to pursue his education in an environment free of violence and fear. It is rare that three cents can go such a long way. 

At York, Kuany is studying chemistry and other science courses. He is the fifth student to come to York through the WUSC Student Refugee Program.  York previously hosted a student from the Congo in 2000, from Afghanistan in 2001, Ethiopia in 2002, and Burma in 2003. Once the refugee students arrive in Canada, a designated student social committee helps them to become oriented to Canadian life and York University.  

“I was so happy when I found out I was coming here,” he says. “I will get a quality education and my life will be easier. My Mom and Dad always say education is the key to life.” 

War has raged for many years in Sudan, and guns and looting were rampant, he says. His family was living in the Bor area of Sudan’s southern Jonglei province. Kuany was just five when he and his brothers were separated from their parents for safety reasons. The boys went to a refugee camp in Ethiopia from 1988 to 1991. Schooling took place outdoors under trees, with no textbooks or supplies.

After three years, the family was reunited, but the Kuany family members were among the many refugees seeking asylum in Sudan’s neighboring countries. They traveled to Kenya and have been living at the United Nations High Commission for Refugees Camp in southern Kenya for the past 13 years.  

In the camp, the family lives in a mud house with palm leaves for the roof, among the 89,000 refugees living in crowded survival conditions in the hot, dry climate. Kuany received scholarships that paid for his school fees to attend a Jesuit high school, where he excelled in science. He applied to study abroad through the WUSC refugee program. “My life was hard, but it was based on hope,” he said. “There were many problems there, but I hoped one day I would be at peace.”

Kuany has adjusted quickly to life in Canada and at York University. He made friends with his fellow students in Founders residence, and enjoys playing soccer and getting to know Canadian society. He was surprised to meet other Africans, as well as students from around the world. “York is very international. I have met eastern Europeans, Latin Americans, South Americans, Chinese, and people from everywhere. Being here is like traveling the world.”

Since arriving at York, he has been taking chemistry and Canadian Studies, which has helped him to adjust to his new surroundings. When he first arrived in September, he was wearing a heavy winter coat, but soon realized the weather was too warm for it. The coat came in handy in January, however, and after feeling the winter’s chill, he spent much of his time indoors. “By next winter I will be used to it, and I’ll be just like a Canadian,” he laughs.  

He believes the student levy that supported him is a wonderful thing. “People can’t imagine how much you can change a person’s life with a few cents,” says Kuany. “The little bit they give makes a big impact, and it’s wonderful teamwork. Each York student is, in a way, directly participating in the sponsorship of a refugee student.” 

The levy raises $25,000 to support the refugee student through first year. For second year and beyond, members of the WUSC student committee help refugee students to integrate into society and to learn the processes of applying for student loans and part-time work so that they will be able to continue their education here. 

Fourth-year history student Kevin Au, the communications coordinator for WUSC on York’s Keele campus, says York students may choose to opt out of paying the levy, but to his knowledge, none ever have. Once their questions about the levy and the refugee program are answered, the students are very supportive, Au says. 

York’s large student body makes it much easier to raise funds for the program, since the cost is just shared by many students, says Au. “We feel that this program really makes a difference, and it has a direct and immediate impact on someone’s life,” he says. “York prides itself as being an international university, and this program helps York to play an important role in international development. As well, the students feel we are really doing something worthwhile.”

Kuany was not sure how he would be received in Canada, or what people would be like here. Shortly after he arrived, however, his fears were allayed. “I felt at home soon after I came. Canadian people are very open, and they will discuss anything you ask them. If I don’t know something, I feel it’s okay to ask. People are ready to help if you ask them.”

“Canada is very tolerant, and people seem to be living in peace. I’ve been looking for peace for my whole life.”

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For more information, contact:

Mary Ann Gratton, Media Relations, York University, 416-736-2100 x22091/ gratton@yorku.ca

Media Relations, York University, (416) 736-5585 media@yorku.ca