On a trip to Rwanda in 2024, I visited UNHCR's emergency temporary facilities hosting refugees and asylum seekers recently evacuated from Libya. The refugee camp is located about an hour and a half outside of the country's capital, housing about 700 evacuees from Libya. During my very short visit to the camp, I met a young man - who I'll refer to as Tesfa - in a makeshift cafe just outside the camp facilities. Tesfa shared with me his years-long wait to be resettled. Tesfa, now 26, first left his country of origin at the age of 19. He first set out crossing the Sinai Desert in hopes of taking the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe. He was captured for ransom and returned to Libya where he was kept in detention for several years. Luckily, he was able to escape detention and register with UNHCR, who eventually assisted by evacuating him to Rwanda in late 2019. To date, he remains in Rwanda where holds onto the hope of being resettled. Unfortunately, with each passing day, his hope dwindles. While I am unable to divulge specifics of the ordeals he has had to face since arriving in Rwanda due to risk to his wellbeing, his story spoke to me. While most evacuees are resettled within 6 months, Tesfa has remained in Rwanda for almost 3 years now. Many, including myself, are concerned about his future. Tesfa and I have kept in touch since returning to Canada. After sharing Tesfa's story with several sponsoring groups and advocates in Toronto, one Sponsorship Agreement Holder has expressed interest in sponsoring him. They are willing to support his application and resettlement to Toronto. However, sponsorship funds are required. The funds from this fundraiser will go towards sponsoring Tesfa through the Private Refugee Sponsorship program: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/help-outside-canada/private-sponsorship-program.html . The total cost of the sponsorship is $17,000, some of the required support has already been pledged, which is why the goal for this fundraiser is $6,250. The total amount is set by the Government of Canada, and is calculated based on the requirements to sponsor one person, using the RSTP Minimum Financial Support Calculator: https://www.rstp.ca/calc/?lang=en. This will provide Tesfa with start-up funds and monthly financial support for his first year in Canada. Thank you so much for your support. Every little bit counts. I look forward to keeping you posted and sharing updates :)
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