Dedicated Integration Leadership: TS2023 Holders Empowering Other Newcomers and Refugees

My name is Kaan Avcu and my wife’s name is Yusra Sengen Avcu. We were both English Language teachers for over 10 years in Turkey. We came to London, Ontario on June 25, 2023. My wife arrived on a study permit and successfully completed her post-graduate certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages at Fanshawe College, graduating with distinction on the President’s Honour Roll. I came on a spousal open work permit to support her journey and to build a new life in Canada together.

In November 2023, I began working at the Cross Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC) as an Administrative Assistant in the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP). This role opened my eyes to the strength, resilience, and challenges of newcomers to Canada. I worked directly with Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs), helping them adjust to life in their new country. My dedication and understanding of their journey, combined with my administrative and communication skills, led to a promotion in April 2025. I now proudly serve as the Operations Manager of the Resettlement Assistance Program, where I lead a team committed to ensuring every newcomer is welcomed with dignity, compassion, and effective support.

One of the most defining moments in my career was my contribution to the Afghan Resettlement Mission, where I helped coordinate services for newly arrived Afghan families. This experience was both profoundly moving and professionally rewarding. It was an honour to see my efforts acknowledged by the former Minister of Immigration, the Honourable Mark Miller. His recognition reaffirmed my belief in the power of community service and the importance of meaningful integration work.

Meanwhile, my wife Yusra has also made remarkable strides. After completing her studies at Fanshawe, she began teaching part-time in the LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) programs at both the YMCA and the Catholic School Board of London in September 2024. Her classes were filled with eager learners, many of them refugees and asylum seekers, who saw in her a mentor and a living example of what is possible with determination and education. Her teaching excellence and deep empathy for her students did not go unnoticed. In March 2025, she was offered a full-time teaching position at the London District Catholic School Board, where she continues to educate and uplift newcomers every day.

Both my wife and I have devoted ourselves wholeheartedly to welcoming newcomers to Canada. We have not only built careers but also built a life rooted in service, education, and hope. We contribute to the social fabric of Canada by empowering newcomers with language, confidence, and belonging.

Canada gave us a chance, not just to survive, but to thrive. In return, we give our absolute best to the communities that welcomed us. We see Canada not just as a country, but as a shared dream, one built on diversity, compassion, and opportunity.

We hope our story stands as a testament to the success of Canada's immigration and integration programs. We also hope it inspires continued support and investment in policies that help newcomers flourish and give back in meaningful, lasting ways.

We are forever grateful to Canada, and proud to now call it our home.