A Refugee Student’s Path to Victoria College — and Beyond

^{Elijah Akol Vic 2T5, originally from South Sudan, came to Canada through the World University Service of Canada program and found a supportive community at Victoria College. He is now pursuing graduate studies in chemical engineering and applied chemistry at the University of Toronto. (Photo by Neil Gaikwad)}

By Samantha Chater

When Elijah Akol Vic 2T5 arrived at the Victoria University campus, he carried little more than determination and hope. He had left his family behind in Uganda, where they had lived as refugees, to pursue an education in Canada. His journey — from civil conflict in South Sudan to a refugee settlement in Uganda and finally to the supportive community at Vic — shows how education can change lives. He is one of more than a dozen students Victoria has welcomed through the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) program. 

Through WUSC, campuses across Canada sponsor refugee students to pursue higher education. At Vic, a committee of staff, faculty and students supports one student at a time through their first year. 

Akol’s path to Victoria College started in South Sudan, where he grew up during civil conflict, before finishing high school in Uganda. It was at a refugee settlement camp in Uganda that he first learned about the WUSC program. With strong grades and determination, he advanced through the selection process and, upon arriving at Vic, was welcomed by a supportive community. 

“I was eager but unsure,” he said. “I had never attended a university lecture, and I didn’t know if I would succeed or graduate.” 

From his first day, Vic staff, students and past WUSC participants were there to help. They met him at the airport, set up his residence with essentials, guided him through orientation and helped with banking, health insurance and winter clothing. That support made all the difference, Akol said. 

“I had the best transition,” he said. “Whenever something was difficult, I’d ask, and support was there.”
 
After his one-year WUSC sponsorship ended and he faced the costs of rent and tuition, Vic stepped in with ongoing financial support. Through the Vic Opportunity Awards, which assist students with financial need, especially those from underrepresented or at-risk groups, Elijah was able to cover living expenses and focus on his studies. 

At Vic, he joined the chess club, volunteered in the community and worked in the Dean’s Office communications team. He also continued building the Dongriin Foundation, an organization he co-founded in Uganda to connect young refugees with mentors and opportunities. Alongside these commitments, he found steady support from the Vic community. 

“I had a good group of friends who supported me when I faced mental health challenges,” he said. “They really kept me motivated.” 

For Victoria College Registrar Yvette Ali, supporting students like Akol is the most rewarding part of her work.  

“It’s just so transformative for these students,” she said. “They really appreciate and take advantage of every opportunity we give to them.” 

Steven Zantingh, assistant dean of international student life and coordinator of the program, said the impact goes far beyond one person.  
“Every Vic student, through a small five-dollar fee, helps give a refugee student — who might otherwise have no access to higher education — an opportunity that transforms their life and often their family’s as well,” he said. 

There is new support to sustain this commitment for future students: the Ray deSouza Bursary, created in 2023 with gifts from colleagues, friends and family in honour of deSouza’s 14 years of service as Bursar and CAO at Vic. The bursary supports Victoria College students in the WUSC program who have financial need. 

Now a Vic graduate, Akol will begin a master’s degree in chemical engineering and applied chemistry at the University of Toronto.
 
“If you arrive at Vic you know your dreams are within reach,’ he said. ‘You can achieve them.”