Moud’s Journey of Overcoming Challenges and Embracing New Beginnings

Meet Moud, whose story shows how personal strength, believing in yourself, and community support can make a big difference. She came to Canada from Zimbabwe in July 2019 after facing many challenges in Zimbabwe, such as high inflation and rapidly declining living conditions.

Moud recalls the experience of arriving from the airport, one that many newcomers face as they start over in a new country. From looking for a place to live, having nothing and knowing no one, to needing to find groceries and other basic needs, it is a difficult journey. Once settled, newcomers start looking for jobs, learn how to write a Canadian resume and figure out how to get around the city. Luckily, there are community support programs, including at Wesley, to help her on her path to success.

When Moud first arrived in Canada, the transition was not easy. She arrived with a client and worked as a housekeeper, but finding stability was difficult. Unfortunately, her parents passed away before she could finish school in Zimbabwe, so Moud did not have a high school diploma, which made it difficult for her to find a job and continue her education in Canada.

In 2022, Moud began high school at Saint Joseph’s High School. It wasn’t easy at first. Having previously lived with someone who was wheelchair-bound, she had limited opportunities to explore her new surroundings or make friends. School was a turning point for her, and she loved learning new subjects and using computers for the first time in her life.

Graduating in 2023 was a big moment for Moud. She felt very proud wearing her graduation gown, showing the result of her hard work and dedication. “The feeling was so different; I have never felt that way. I didn’t want to take the gown off,” said Moud, looking back on high school with great memories.

Moud’s educational journey didn’t stop at high school. With the support of various community programs, she ventured into new areas of skill development. Moud participated in a carpentry course at Mohawk College, drawing on her experience as a carpenter in Zimbabwe. This opportunity added to her growing resume and helped her secure a position with the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board over the summer.

Most recently, Moud participated in the Food Service Training Program at Wesley, which was recommended by the YWCA Employment Center, once again adding to her already impressive resume. She found the program very helpful and enjoyed the hands-on classes and practical experience in food preparation. She appreciated the freshness of the food and the care taken to prepare it. Moud particularly enjoyed learning advanced knife skills, overcoming initial nervousness with the incredibly sharp knives with the help of her instructors. Motivated by her love of cooking and a desire to build her skills, Moud completed the Food Service Training Program and looks forward to adding that experience to her ever-growing resume to demonstrate the vast skillset she has gained to help in her personal and professional life.

Moud’s confidence has grown a lot through these programs. She has become more outgoing and less shy, participating in the Hamilton Fringe Festival as an actor in a play by the YWCA Transitional Living Program called “Ushindi: When We Are Welcome.” This performance shared the unique perspectives and challenges of newcomers, particularly refugee women and gender-diverse people coming from Africa to Canada.

A hard worker, Moud enjoys spending what free time she has at parks and beaches. She has established a supportive network through her church community and maintains a small cleaning business with several clients. These activities offer a sense of belonging and purpose, keeping her motivated and feeling positive about the future for herself and her family.

Every day, Moud is motivated to prove to herself that she can do whatever she puts her mind to. She wants to inspire her younger siblings, who are still in Zimbabwe, and show them they can do it. “I want to live by example.” She speaks with them daily, an excellent reminder of what she works so hard for.

2024 ended on a high note for Moud as she secured a position with the Hamilton School Board as a Casual Caretaker, and so far, 2025 is keeping the excitement going as she received her official Permanent Residence Card! In the near future, she hopes to return to school at Mohawk College to pursue a new goal: becoming a physiotherapy assistant. She looks forward to finishing her education, securing stable employment, and ultimately bringing her family from Zimbabwe to Canada to be with her. With her permanent residency, Moud will be able to sponsor her loved ones, providing them with the opportunities she has worked so hard to achieve. 

Moud’s story is one of perseverance, hope, and hard work. She encourages other newcomers with her words: “I want to encourage people to not give up. I know it’s not easy, but we have to keep on pushing.” Her journey highlights the importance of community programs, which play a crucial role in helping individuals overcome barriers, gain new skills, and build lives full of their own successes, inspiring others along the way.