Toronto – October 16, 2014 – Leah Kamau is employed as a live-in caregiver in Ontario. In 2009, she came to Canada from Kenya under the live-in caregiver program. Leah has two children, John and Sarah, who currently live and study in Kenya. 

Leah has seen her children only once in the past five years. The income Leah makes in Canada has made it possible for John and Sarah to attend secondary school and college. Leah’s son John is one of the 20 recipients of this year’s Migrant Workers Scholarships, and will use the funds towards college tuition and books.

Leah herself has a degree in early childhood and special education. She plans to eventually work as a Personal Support Worker. In the meantime, she is volunteering at a nearby retirement home. Leah is processing her permanent residency application and will make Canada home for her family. John is hoping to eventually attend university here.

Leah’s story is a clear example of why the immigration system needs to be overhauled to allow migrant workers in Canada to be united with family members in a timely manner. Providing a path to learning for migrant workers and their children is also essential. Leah heard about the Migrant Workers Scholarships program through a friend. Not only is she delighted to have her application for son accepted, she has now also completed one of UFCW Canada’s WebCampus courses.

Since 2010, UFCW Canada has received over 15,000 applications for the Migrant Workers Scholarships Program, and awarded scholarships to 65 children to benefit their educational pursuits in their home countries.

The deadline to apply for the 2014 round of Migrant Workers Scholarships is December 31, 2014. To find out more about the UFCW Canada Migrant Workers Scholarships program, and to download application forms or apply online, visit ufcw.ca/migrantscholarship.