Fatima Bahir, born in Kabul, Afghanistan in 1977, attended a school for refugees in Peshawar, Pakistan. In 1993, her family fled the country to seek safety across the border due to escalating violence. Fatima found Pakistan to be a “culture shock.” Presently residing in Ottawa as a Canadian citizen, she is currently making arrangements to pursue a career as a director in the public service.
Fatima is currently employed as a Learning Consultant at Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Being a refugee, she does not require any status or mobility rights. International organizations have provided educational assistance to Fatima, allowing her to enroll in a specialized girls-only school for refugees. At this institution, she received education from teachers who were also refugees holding university degrees. Additionally, Fatima attended a renowned English language school during the afternoons.
Bahir worked diligently and completed high school immediately, but decided to stay in order to teach English and help others. She explains that no one wanted to live in a country where they had no rights, so the goal was to immigrate to Canada or any other country willing to accept refugees and grant them immigrant status. Learning the language would be the crucial first step. Fatima’s dedication impressed the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), who suggested she apply for their Student Refugee Program. When she received the exciting news of her acceptance, she knew that her “brighter future” was on its way.
She also attended Brandon University in Manitoba and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. Fatima’s impressive achievements caught the attention of the WUSC, who selected her for the Young Newcomers Internship Program with CIC, which supports refugees. Her exceptional performance in the program ultimately led to her securing a full-time position at CIC. Despite not being born a Canadian citizen, Fatima’s story serves as an inspiration to other refugees, demonstrating that they too can attain success.
