Brima Mohammed
Accountant from Sudan balances school and work in Alberta
Brima Mohammed is a very busy man. He studies English full time through the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton and works part time as a security guard at the University of Alberta. “It can be challenging to juggle school and work, but it’s worth it to get a job in my field and to live here in Alberta,” he said.
Originally from Muglad, Sudan, Brima fled his country as a refugee in 2001. Political problems there led him to Egypt, where he spent five years waiting for Canada’s immigration process to be finalized. A friend who lives in the town of Brooks near Calgary, Alberta set up a private sponsorship, which allowed Brima to come to Canada in 2006. Brima initially landed in Winnipeg, Manitoba but moved to Alberta in 2007 following the advice of his sponsor and friend.
“It was a long journey for me to come to Canada but I learned a lot along the way and I am very happy to be in Alberta now,” said Brima.
Each year, millions of people around the world are forced to flee their countries to escape persecution, war or severe human rights abuses. Often these people are never able to return home. Through the Canadian government’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program, groups and individuals in Canada can sponsor refugees from abroad who qualify to come here.
Brima has a bachelor’s degree majoring in accounting, which he earned in Sudan. Accountants are a regulated occupation in Alberta, which means certification and registration with the appropriate accountants’ professional organization are required. Brima had his education credentials from Sudan assessed through the Alberta government’s International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) to see how they compared to provincial standards. He plans to complete his English program then enroll in an accounting program also at NAIT in Edmonton. His goal is to earn the Certified General Accountant designation.
In Muglad, Brima’s income was about $400 a month. Once he completes his current studies, Brima hopes to earn about $4,000 a month as a starting salary. “I’m very excited about finding an accounting position,” he said.
For Brima, what he enjoys most about living in Alberta are the friendly people, the job and educational opportunities available, and that Canada is a safe, democratic country. “There are many opportunities for growth here, and it’s reassuring to see how the government helps people build and improve their lives,” he said. “Safety is another major benefit. In Sudan, I never knew what each day would bring. I could have been arrested for no reason, or worse. In Alberta, I feel safe and appreciate my freedom.”
Brima doesn’t hesitate to encourage other immigrants to come to Alberta. “It’s a very good area to live and work. The economy is strong and there are many programs to help immigrants adjust to living and working in a new country. I am very thankful to the federal and provincial government and to the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, which have helped me feel settled,” he said.
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Date Updated: Nov 25, 2009
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