A Journey of Perseverance: A Single Mother’s Path to Education

In the heart of our community, we recently witnessed a story that speaks to the strength of human spirit and the power of resilience. It is the story of a remarkable single mother of four, all under the age of ten, who arrived from Sudan nearly a year ago, carrying dreams of a brighter future for her children in Saint John. While her heart was full of hope, her journey was far from easy. The challenges she faced seemed endless, but her determination never wavered.

From the moment she arrived, this courageous woman had one clear goal: to learn English, so she could integrate into her new community and eventually provide better opportunities for her family. However, for 11 long months, she found herself unable to attend English classes. The main obstacle? The lack of childcare for her two-year-old son. With long waitlists for daycare services, she was left isolated at home, struggling not only with language but also with a sense of loneliness that came from being unable to connect with others.

Despite her own determination and the unwavering support from the YMCA Newcomer Connections team, time and time again, solutions seemed to fall apart just as they were within reach. Each day spent without progress became a painful reminder of the barriers she faced. Yet, through it all, neither she nor the team working with her gave up. Everyone involved believed in her capacity to succeed.

Then, a breakthrough finally arrived—thanks to the persistent efforts of our dedicated childcare team and the relentless determination of our settlement counsellors. A spot for her young son at a local YMCA daycare was secured. It was a victory that felt monumental, a small beacon of hope after months of struggle.

But just as things began to look up, yet another challenge surfaced: summer break. Her older children, home from school, now required supervision, making it nearly impossible for her to attend classes. Yet again, this incredible mother faced the setback with strength and determination. Together with our team, she worked to navigate the complex system of applying for childcare subsidies. From sorting out CRA access codes to handling financial assessments and mountains of paperwork, every hurdle was met with perseverance. She was not alone in this fight—our team stood by her side every step of the way, offering guidance and support.

After what felt like an eternity of waiting and anxiety, the approval for her childcare subsidy came through. And it could not have come at a better time.

This past month marked a pivotal moment in her journey. Our YMCA Newcomer team accompanied her as she dropped her son off at his daycare for the first time. The day was filled with both nervousness and joy. The daycare staff greeted her with open arms, providing a warm welcome not only for her son but for her as well. As she kissed him goodbye, a visible sigh of relief washed over her, and she couldn’t hold back the tears. It was a bittersweet moment, the joy of knowing her child was in good hands mingled with the challenge of leaving him for the day. The daycare staff, sensing her hesitation, reassured her that soon enough, her son would be thriving and would no longer want to leave at the end of the day.

The reports from the daycare have been nothing short of heartwarming. Her son is adjusting beautifully, his laughter and curiosity filling the daycare rooms. For the first time since arriving in Canada, this mother has had the opportunity to focus on her own education. She is now attending her first English classes, a long-awaited dream finally coming to fruition. The pride she feels in this achievement is palpable, and her excitement is contagious.

Our team looks forward to seeing her in the hallways of the YMCA, perhaps with a smile brighter than before. Katie Pierce, her settlement supervisor shared “I can’t wait to congratulate her in person, to share in the joy of her hard-earned success, and to offer her a well-deserved hug.”

Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, and a reminder to all of us that with enough support, even the most daunting barriers can be overcome. It is not just her victory, but a collective triumph—a story that highlights the profound impact that community, resilience, and unwavering determination can have on an individual’s journey. We are humbled to have been a part of this inspiring mother’s path, and we are deeply moved by her strength and courage as she continues to build a better future for herself and her children.