James Mutua never imagined that his psychology degree would lead him to a fulfilling career in Canada. Growing up in Machakos, Kenya, James was passionate about helping others but struggled to find stable employment after graduation. Today, he’s a Developmental Service Worker at a community-based organization in Toronto, supporting individuals with autism and building a brighter future for his family.

From Unemployment to Opportunity

“I spent nearly two years after graduation doing casual jobs and volunteer work,” James recalls. “I had the education and the passion, but opportunities were scarce. When my former university classmate told me about Athari, I was skeptical at first. It sounded too good to be true.”

Despite his doubts, James applied to the program in July 2025. After a thorough application review and interview process, he was accepted into the September 2025 cohort.

Intensive Training

The 4-month training program at KISWCD was unlike anything James had experienced in university. “It was practical, hands-on, and directly relevant to the job,” he explains.

Training Curriculum Covered:

• Different types of developmental disabilities and spectrum disorders
• Behavior support strategies and positive interventions
• Person-centered planning and individualized support
• Canadian workplace expectations and standards
• Communication and documentation skills
• Rights-based approaches and dignity of risk

What impressed James most was the program’s focus on dignity and respect. “We learned that our role isn’t to ‘fix’ people but to support them in living the lives they want,” he says. “This philosophy resonated deeply with my psychology background and my personal values.”

The Internship Experience

James completed his 2-month internship at an autism support center in Nairobi. Working with children and young adults on the autism spectrum, he learned to implement behavior support plans, facilitate social skills groups, and work collaboratively with families and multidisciplinary teams.

“The internship was challenging but incredibly rewarding,” James shares. “I remember one young man who was nonverbal and had difficulty with transitions. Over the course of my internship, we worked together using visual supports and I saw him become more comfortable with changes in routine. His mother told me I’d made a real difference, and that moment confirmed I was on the right path.”

A Perfect Match

After completing his internship in early December 2025, James was matched with Spectrum Support Services, a Toronto-based organization specializing in autism services. The employer was impressed by James’s psychology background, his autism-specific experience from the internship, and his genuine passion for the work.

“The interview process was thorough but fair,” James remembers. “They wanted to know about my values, how I handle challenges, and my understanding of person-centered support. The Athari team had prepared me well, so I felt confident throughout.”

Arriving in Canada

James arrived in Toronto on January 15, 2026, in the middle of winter. “I stepped off the plane and immediately understood why everyone had told me to buy a winter coat,” he laughs. “It was -15°C, and I’d never experienced anything like it.”

The Athari team arranged his airport pickup and temporary accommodation. Within days, he had attended orientation at Spectrum Support Services, received his work schedule, and met his new team members.

Building a New Life

Two months into his new role, James has settled into a routine. He works afternoon and evening shifts, supporting adults with autism in a shared living environment.

His Daily Responsibilities Include:

• Helping with daily living skills and personal care
• Facilitating community activities and integration
• Implementing behavior support plans
• Coordinating with families and service providers
• Supporting employment and vocational goals
• Documenting progress and incidents

“Every day is different, which I love,” James says. “One day we might be working on cooking skills, another day we’re supporting someone at their job in the community, and another day we’re dealing with a challenging situation that requires creative problem-solving.”

Supporting Family Back Home

One of James’s primary motivations for joining the Athari program was to support his family. His parents are retired and rely on support from their children. James has two younger siblings still in school.

“My first paycheck was emotional,” James admits. “After paying my rent and expenses, I was able to send money home to my parents and put some toward my sister’s university fees. Seeing the direct impact of my work on my family’s wellbeing is incredibly fulfilling.”

Impact of James’s Remittances:

• Sends approximately CAD $800 monthly to Kenya
• Supports parents’ retirement and living expenses
• Contributes to siblings’ education fees
• Enabled home improvements for the family
• Provided financial security for the entire family

Community and Connection

While James is building a life in Canada, he maintains strong connections to Kenya. He’s part of a WhatsApp group with other Athari graduates in Toronto, where they share experiences, advice, and support. He also attends a Kenyan church in Toronto, which has helped him feel connected to his culture.

“I haven’t felt homesick because I’ve built a community here,” James explains. “Between my Athari colleagues, my church community, and the friends I’ve made at work, I feel supported and connected.”

Professional Growth

James is already planning his next steps. His employer has offered to support him in pursuing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) certification, which would allow him to take on more specialized roles. He’s also interested in eventually pursuing a master’s degree in developmental psychology.

“The opportunities for growth here are incredible,” James says. “My employer invests in training and development, and there are clear pathways for advancement. In five years, I could see myself in a senior position, maybe even managing a program.”

Advice for Future Candidates

When asked what advice he’d give to Kenyans considering the Athari program, James shares:

Key Advice for Aspiring Candidates:

• Do your research: Make sure this is genuinely what you want to do. The work can be challenging, and you need to be passionate about supporting people with disabilities.
• Trust the process: The training is rigorous for a reason – it prepares you for real-world situations.
• Be open to learning: Canada is different from Kenya in many ways, but if you approach it with an open mind and willingness to learn, you’ll thrive.
• Stay committed: The journey requires dedication, but the rewards are worth it.

Looking Ahead

James is on track to apply for permanent residency in 2027, after completing his 2-year work permit. Once he becomes a permanent resident, he hopes to eventually sponsor his younger sister to join him in Canada for university studies.

“Athari didn’t just give me a job – they gave me a pathway to build the future I dreamed of,” James concludes. “I’m supporting my family, growing professionally, and making a real difference in people’s lives. What more could I ask for?”

James’s story is a testament to the power of determination, quality training, and ethical migration pathways. From unemployment in Machakos to a thriving career in Toronto, his journey illustrates how programs like Athari can transform lives while addressing critical labor needs.