In a milestone achievement for Athari Global Workforce Solutions, 33 graduates from our latest training cohort have successfully transitioned to Canada and begun their careers as Developmental Service Workers across the Greater Toronto Area.

A Comprehensive Success Story

This cohort, which began their training in September 2025, represents the largest group of candidates Athari has successfully placed in Canada to date.

Cohort Highlights:

• 33 graduates successfully placed in Canada
• 100% employment rate before arrival
• Diverse professional backgrounds (nurses, social workers, psychologists)
• Candidates from across Kenya
• 6-month intensive training program completed

“This is a testament to the quality of training we provide and the strong partnerships we’ve built with Canadian employers,” says Dr. Amina Hassan, Program Director at Athari Global. “Every single graduate from this cohort secured employment before their arrival in Canada, which speaks volumes about the demand for skilled developmental service workers and the excellent preparation our program provides.”

Training Excellence

The cohort completed their Developmental Service Counselor Diploma training at the Kenya Institute of Social Work & Community Development (KISWCD), followed by practical internships at various disability support organizations in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. The curriculum covered:

• Person-centered care and support approaches
• Understanding developmental disabilities
• Behavior support and intervention strategies
• Canadian workplace culture and professional standards
• Communication and documentation skills
• Health and safety protocols
• Rights-based approaches to disability support

Employer Partnerships

The 33 graduates have been placed with 12 different developmental services organizations across the Greater Toronto Area, including:

• Community Living Toronto
• Vita Community Living Services
• Surrey Place
• Extend-A-Family
• Reena
• And seven other leading organizations

“The feedback from employers has been overwhelmingly positive,” notes David Omondi, Employer Relations Manager at Athari. “Employers consistently tell us that our graduates arrive well-prepared, culturally competent, and ready to make immediate contributions to their teams.”

Smooth Transitions

All 33 graduates arrived in Canada between February 20 and March 5, 2026.

Arrival Support Included:

• Coordinated airport pickups for all graduates
• Temporary accommodation arrangements
• Comprehensive orientation sessions
• Assistance with banking and SIN applications
• Support finding permanent housing
• Introduction to local community resources

“The support didn’t end when we got our job offers,” shares Michael Kiprono, one of the graduates now working at a residential facility in Scarborough. “The Athari team helped us with everything from understanding our employment contracts to opening bank accounts and getting SIN numbers. They truly care about our success.”

Economic Impact

Beyond individual success stories, this cohort represents significant economic opportunities for both Canada and Kenya.

Economic Impact Highlights:

• Collective annual earnings: CAD $2.1 million
• Average support for 5-7 family members per graduate
• Over 200 people in Kenya directly impacted
• Substantial remittances supporting Kenyan families
• Contribution to both Canadian and Kenyan economies

“These aren’t just jobs – they’re pathways to economic empowerment for entire families,” explains Dr. Hassan. “Our graduates support an average of 5-7 family members back home, meaning this cohort is directly impacting the lives of over 200 people in Kenya.”

Filling Critical Labour Shortages

Canada faces a significant shortage of developmental service workers. The developmental services sector provides essential support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them live fulfilling, independent lives in their communities.

Labour Market Context:

• 15,000+ unfilled positions across Ontario
• Growing demand for qualified developmental service workers
• Critical need for compassionate, skilled professionals
• Athari graduates helping fill crucial gaps

“The demand for qualified workers far exceeds the supply,” says Jennifer Thompson, CEO of one of the partner organizations. “The Athari graduates bring not only the necessary skills but also compassion, dedication, and fresh perspectives that enrich our teams and improve outcomes for the people we support.”

Next Steps

With this cohort successfully placed, Athari continues to expand and grow.

Future Plans:

• 40 candidates in training, completing August 2026
• Expansion to British Columbia and Alberta
• New employer partnerships across Canada
• Continued focus on ethical migration pathways
• Scaling the program to meet growing demand

“We’re proving that ethical migration pathways can work at scale,” concludes Dr. Hassan. “By investing in proper training, maintaining high standards, and building strong partnerships, we’re creating a model that benefits everyone – the candidates, the employers, and the communities they serve.”

Celebration and Recognition

A virtual celebration was held on March 7, bringing together:

• All 33 graduates and their families in Kenya
• Canadian employers and program partners
• Representatives from the Canadian High Commission
• International Organization for Migration (IOM) officials
• Government of Kenya representatives

The event celebrated not just the professional achievements but also the personal courage and determination of each graduate who embarked on this life-changing journey.