WUSC Local Committee
About WUSC and the MUN Local Committee
Founded in 1929, the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) is a Canadian non-profit organization that advances education, employment, and empowerment opportunities for youth worldwide. Through partnerships with more than 90 Canadian universities, colleges, and CEGEPs, WUSC delivers programs that promote global citizenship and expand access to education. Its flagship Student Refugee Program (SRP), launched in 1978, is Canada's longest-running initiative combining refugee resettlement with post-secondary education, supporting approximately 130 refugee students each year as they begin new lives in Canada.
Established in 2018, the WUSC Local Committee at Memorial University (MUN) brings together students, staff, faculty, alumni, and volunteers committed to this mission. Supported by Memorial University's Internationalization Office, the committee welcomes SRP scholars to campus, assists with their settlement and integration, fosters community, and raises awareness about refugee experiences and global displacement. Through advocacy, leadership, and community engagement, the MUN WUSC Local Committee helps create a more welcoming and inclusive campus for refugee students.
Current Local Committee
- Yar Ayuen Malual – Chair
- Student Refugee Program Assistant (Student Life) – Vacant
- Student Refugee Program Assistant (Academic Life) – Vacant
- Patrick Hirwa – Committee Member
- Zaid Awwad – Committee Member
- Abu Arif – Staff Advisor
- Jeanie Sinclair – Faculty Advisor
For general inquiries, please contact the WUSC Local Committee at aabu@mun.ca.
WUSC Study Nights
Wednesdays | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
September 23 – December 2
Social Room, Internationalization Office
WUSC Study Nights provide a welcoming and supportive study space for students with lived experience of displacement, forced migration, or refugee resettlement. Whether you're working on assignments, preparing for exams, or simply looking for a quiet place to focus, you'll find a community of peers who understand the complexities of rebuilding life in a new country.
Bring your laptop, books, or notes and study alongside others in a relaxed, judgment-free environment. Coffee, tea, light refreshments, and academic support—including a math tutor during designated sessions—are available. More than a study space, WUSC Study Nights are an opportunity to connect, build friendships, and support one another while navigating university life together. For more information please contact Arif Abu at aabu@mun.ca
WUSC Nights
Every third Friday of the month Starting September 18 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Social Room, Internationalization Office
WUSC Nights are informal community gatherings for students with lived experience of displacement, forced migration, or refugee resettlement. They offer a welcoming space to relax, connect, and build friendships beyond the classroom.
Each month, we share a meal, play board games, make art, watch a movie or TV show, celebrate cultures, and have conversations about life, belonging, and navigating university in a new country. Some evenings feature themed activities or guest speakers, while others are simply about enjoying good food and good company.
WUSC Nights are grounded in the belief that community is an essential part of student success. Whether you're new to Memorial or have been here for years, you're welcome to join us, meet new people, and find a space where you belong. For more information, please contact Arif Abu at aabu@mun.ca
The WUSC Local Committee Volunteer Program provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to support refugee education, community building, and global citizenship at Memorial University.
The program is open to all full-time undergraduate students who are in good academic standing. To become a volunteer, students must successfully complete four online training modules available through Brightspace. The training equips volunteers with the knowledge and skills needed to support WUSC initiatives in an ethical, inclusive, and meaningful way.
After completing the training, volunteers are expected to contribute a minimum of eight volunteer hours each semester by supporting WUSC Local Committee programs and events. This may include assisting with the Student Refugee Program, community events, awareness campaigns, orientation activities, fundraising initiatives, or other committee-led projects.
Students who successfully complete the training requirements and fulfill their volunteer commitment become eligible to apply for membership on the WUSC Local Committee, where they can take on greater leadership responsibilities and help shape the committee's work on campus.
To access the modules, please contact Arif Abu at aabu@mun.ca
The Student Refugee Program (SRP) is WUSC's flagship initiative and the only program in Canada that combines refugee resettlement with access to post-secondary education. Since 1978, the program has supported more than 2,000 refugee students from 39 countries through partnerships with over 95 Canadian campuses.
At Memorial University, the SRP was established following a successful student referendum in 2019, where 93% of participating undergraduate students voted to introduce a $2 per-semester levy to sponsor refugee scholars. Since welcoming its first scholar in 2020, Memorial has supported seven SRP scholars. In partnership with the Internationalization Office, the WUSC Local Committee provides financial, academic, and social support during each scholar's first year, helping them build a strong foundation for success in Canada.
Here are a few resources for the SRP WUSC Scholars:
- Resource guide
- Tripatriate Agreement
- Budget Template
- Shopping Suggestion List
Interested in getting involved with the WUSC Local Committee at Memorial University? We welcome students who are passionate about refugee education, global citizenship, and building a more inclusive campus community. Whether you would like to volunteer, learn more about our programs, or explore leadership opportunities, we would love to hear from you.
Email: aabu@mun.ca
Stay connected with us on social media for upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and committee updates:
- Facebook: WUSC Memorial University
- Instagram: @wusc_mun
WUSC Chair Office Hours: TBA
WUSC SRP Assistant (Student Life) Office Hours: TBA
WUSC SRP Assistant (Academic) Office Hours: TBA
WUSC Local Committee Location: Global Learning Centre (CA2003)