Since 2021, iSisters supporter Keller Williams Integrity Realty have sponsored an annual $1000 scholarship for a learner to continue their education. This is the story of our 2024 scholarship winner.
Anne Ruth’s Story
Anne Ruth left her family and arrived in Canada as a refugee claimant. On her own, without work or a support system, Anne Ruth was exhausted and traumatized from her journey and experiences. She found temporary living with strangers and was isolated and alone.
As a refugee, she had 45 days to submit her claim, but had no access to a laptop to complete her submission, nor a private space to work on it. Lucky for her, iSisters provided her the use of a laptop, and enrolled her in their free iNSPIRE entrepreneurial program. She was able to prepare and submit her basis of refugee claim, and felt empowered by what she had learned in the course to help her make her way in Canada. Not only did she learn skills to equip her for employment, but Anne Ruth also made new friends in the class. The training program gave her something productive to focus on and helped her gain a sense of achievement in the midst of her struggles.
In April 2024, Anne Ruth attended the iSisters graduation event and received her certificate. She felt her housemates looked at her with new respect, for having this achievement under her belt as well as for obtaining some new Canadian education to put on her resume.
Anne Ruth intends to use the scholarship award to go to driving school. Being able to drive will open new opportunities to attend additional training and also to work as a Personal Support Worker where driving is a requirement. In addition, she also intends to obtain annual certification training in First Aid and CPR as is required for this role.
Anne Ruth has big plans for the future and says, “I will be able to inspire more women in my circles because of my progress and financial independence. I will also have more to offer as a volunteer because of my experience in this journey.” Her experience with iSisters has been an important stepping stone to an exciting new future.
