Stephanie Stobbe, associate professor in the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies, Menno Simon College at the University of Winnipeg, arrived in Canada from Laos as a little girl with her family under the private sponsorship program as part of the IndoChinese Refugee Movement. On Friday, Sept. 9, Stobbe will visit York University to deliver the first in a series of talks called REFTalks.
Stobbe’s presentation will take place from 12 to 2pm in the Senior Common Room, Room 140 McLaughlin College on the Keele campus. REFTalks is a joint initiative of the UNHCR, York University, Ryerson University and the City of Toronto. The talks challenge the negative discourse and stereotyping of refugees and present positive inspirational role models for newcomers to Canada, especially refugee youth.
Speakers are outstanding Canadians, who were formerly refugees. All presenters have made significant contributions to their communities, Canadian society, and the international community. They present their stories of flight, arrival, and settlement in their new home. Despite the enormous challenges and struggles they faced throughout their harrowing life experiences, each presenter will speak about how they went on to achieve their great success and accomplishments in Canada.
All presentations are video recorded before a live audience and posted on the REFTalks website for everyone to see. Talks are free and open to the public.