Mentorability Experience Stories

When Basel came to March of Dimes Canada (MODC) for help finding employment, he wanted to work full-time as a Farm Hand. Basel grew up in Syria where he worked on a farm his whole life. When he moved to Canada in 2016, however, he faced numerous barriers to employment including a lack of formal training, no Canadian job experience and deafness. With all these barriers in his way, it was not surprising that he struggled to secure employment.

As part of his employment program with MODC, Basel was referred to MentorAbility. Through MentorAbility he was connected with Country Heritage Park in Milton so he could gain a mentoring experience in an area of interest to him. March of Dimes Canada provided interpreters for Basel during this mentorship; and, thanks to this accommodation, he was able to take advantage of this unique opportunity, demonstrate his skills to the employer and show that he was more than qualified for the job.

The Park was very impressed with Basel’s abilities and soon committed to hiring Basel and training him for the role of Farm Hand. Basel’s motivation, hard work and determination paid off, and he’s since become a valued employee at Country Heritage Park. All Basel needed was an opportunity to expand his network and learn more about this farm. Basel proved himself, and we are so happy to have been played a part in his employment journey in Canada.

Amazing work, Basel! All of us here at MentorAbility are cheering you on!