Samer Al-Jbawi is a refugee from Syria; he holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature, Diploma of Education from Damascus University and Master’s Degree in Education he started in when he was a refugee in Jordan.

Six months after arriving in Ottawa, he was hired full time by the Somali Centre for Family Services as a settlement counsellor, working mainly with other Syrians and newcomers. While working, he has recently completed three courses:

1. Creating Inclusive Spaces for Immigrants and Refugees with In/Visible Disabilities.
2. Understanding and Responding to Sexual Violence in Immigrant and Refugee Communities
3. Employment Services – Training for Settlement Workers.