When Sarah Wanjiru first heard about the Athari Global Workforce Solutions program, she was working as a community health volunteer in Nairobi, Kenya. With a diploma in nursing but limited opportunities for professional growth, Sarah felt stuck in her career. That all changed when she was accepted into Athari’s comprehensive training program.

The Beginning of a New Journey

“I remember the day I received my acceptance letter,” Sarah recalls with a smile. “I was both excited and nervous. Moving to Canada seemed like a dream, but I wasn’t sure if I was ready for such a big change.”

Sarah enrolled in the 4-month Developmental Service Counselor Diploma program at the Kenya Institute of Social Work & Community Development (KISWCD). The training covered:

• Person-centered care approaches and dignity-focused support
• Understanding developmental disabilities and spectrum disorders
• Canadian workplace standards and professional expectations
• Cultural competency and cross-cultural communication
• Behavior support and positive intervention strategies
• Documentation and reporting best practices

Hands-On Experience Through Internship

Following her classroom training, Sarah completed a 2-month internship at a disability support center in Nairobi. This practical experience proved invaluable.

“The internship helped me understand what the job really entails,” she explains. “I learned how to work with individuals with diverse needs, communicate effectively with families, and handle challenging situations with empathy and professionalism.”

During her internship, Sarah gained hands-on experience in:

• Supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities
• Facilitating daily living activities and personal care
• Coordinating recreational programs and community activities
• Implementing skill-building exercises and training plans
• Communicating effectively with families and care teams

Her supervisors consistently praised her dedication, patience, and natural ability to connect with the individuals she supported.

Matching with a Canadian Employer

Upon completing her training and internship, Sarah entered the employer matching phase. Within three weeks, she was connected with Maple Care Services, a leading developmental services organization in Toronto. After a series of virtual interviews, Sarah received a job offer as a Developmental Service Worker.

“The matching process was so smooth,” Sarah says. “The Athari team prepared me for the interviews, helped me understand what Canadian employers look for, and supported me every step of the way. When I got the job offer, I couldn’t believe it was really happening.”

A New Life in Toronto

In December 2025, Sarah arrived in Toronto with her 2-year work permit. The comprehensive arrival support included:

• Airport pickup and transportation to accommodation
• Temporary housing arranged by the Athari team
• Workplace orientation at Maple Care Services
• Introduction to her new team and supervisor
• Support with essential services setup (banking, phone, transit)

“The transition was easier than I expected,” Sarah shares. “Yes, the weather was a shock – I’d never experienced snow before! But everyone at work was so welcoming. My colleagues took me shopping for winter clothes, invited me to community events, and made me feel at home.”

Making a Difference

Three months into her new role, Sarah is thriving. She works with a team supporting adults with developmental disabilities in a residential setting, helping them live independently and achieve their personal goals.

Her typical day includes:

• Assisting with daily living activities and personal care
• Facilitating recreational and social programs
• Supporting community integration and independence
• Implementing individualized support plans
• Collaborating with families and healthcare professionals
• Documenting progress and maintaining accurate records

“What I love most about this job is seeing the progress our clients make,” Sarah says passionately. “Last week, one of the individuals I support successfully used public transit independently for the first time. Moments like that make everything worthwhile.”

Looking Ahead

Sarah’s success story is an inspiration to many aspiring candidates back in Kenya. She’s actively planning her future:

• Mentoring current Athari program participants
• Working toward permanent residency eligibility
• Planning to sponsor her younger sister to Canada
• Pursuing additional certifications in developmental services
• Supporting her family in Kenya through regular remittances

“My advice to anyone considering this program is simple: take the leap,” Sarah concludes. “Yes, it’s challenging. Yes, you’ll miss home. But the opportunities, personal growth, and ability to make a real difference in people’s lives make it all worth it. Athari doesn’t just help you get a job – they help you build a future.”

Supporting Dreams

Sarah sends money home monthly to support her parents and younger siblings. She’s already saved enough to visit Kenya later this year. “I’m grateful every day for this opportunity,” she says. “Not just for myself, but for my family and everyone whose lives I can now touch through my work.”

Sarah’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of ethical migration pathways. Through proper training, support, and opportunity, she’s not only built a successful career but is also making meaningful contributions to both her new community in Canada and her family back home in Kenya.