Grace and Alfred, refugees from Kenya, are one step away from becoming Canadian citizens days after securing employment from PR Hotels Limited.
In a statement by PR Hotels Limited dated Wednesday, May 17, Grace and Alfred secured employment from its subsidiary companies, Holiday Inn and the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Kelowna.
The two are expected to fly to Kelowna in Canada, to start their new work ventures.
Besides securing employment, PR Hotels Limited partnered with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) in its Hospitality Industry Refugee Employment-Linked Sponsorship (HIRES) programme to grant the two permanent residencies.
The project under the World University Service of Canada was launched two years ago to aid in resettling refugees living in Kenya. It involves vocational training and employment placement in various companies in Canada.
To help Grace and Alfred fly to Canada, the company started a funds drive, targeting to raise Ksh550,000 ($4000). So far, different individuals had contributed over Ksh140,000 for the two refugees from Kenya.
"Our goal is to raise Ksh550,000 ($4000) in funds that would go towards the costs of their travel, food, basic household items and the fees they will incur while working to become permanent residents of Canada," the company started.
"We appreciate every dollar that is donated, and 100 per cent of these raised funds will go directly to Grace and Alfred. Together, with your support, we can give hope to many young people who are living in refugee camps," it added.
The refugees from Kenya are also expected to bolster the Canadian workforce and also help Kenya address the refugee crisis.
On Tuesday, May 9, the Ministry of Interior revealed that Kenya hosts nearly 800,000 refugees and asylum seekers. The Ministry added that 577,000 were registered while over 200,000 were profiled in Dadaab and Kakuma.
To address the crisis, President William Ruto's administration adopted Marshal Plan, emphasising on empowering the refugees in different parts of the country.
"It aims at enhancing access to effective registration, documentation, basic services such as education, healthcare, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), energy, jobs and livelihoods," Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok stated.
