Dear Black Canadian Nursing Student: Lessons from a Student Refugee Program Alum

“To build equity is not to grant charity. It is to correct the lie that only some people have shaped nursing while others simply entered later. It reminds everyone that the future of healthcare is not a gift handed down by one group, but a collective endeavour made stronger, wiser, and more humane because of the diversity within it.”

When Ajah Malual Maluk first arrived in Canada through WUSC’s Student Refugee Program, she brought with her not only ambition and resilience, but also a vision for the kind of change she wanted to see in education and healthcare.

Today, Ajah is a nursing graduate, a published author, and a powerful advocate for equity and inclusion.

Her new book, Dear Black Canadian Nursing Student: What I Wish I Knew, and What I Hope You Remember, is both deeply personal and profoundly practical. Through candid reflections, Ajah offers a window into the lived experiences of Black nursing students navigating systemic barriers in Canada. She speaks openly about identity, resilience, and the journey to finding belonging in an environment that can often feel isolating.

But this is more than just a story—it’s a guide. Ajah’s book is a resource for both students and educators, aimed at building more welcoming and supportive campus communities. It’s about ensuring that the next generation of Black nursing students feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Ajah’s achievements are a testament to the lasting impact of the Student Refugee Program—and to the determination of refugee youth everywhere who are breaking barriers and shaping the future.

Learn more about Ajah’s book.

About the Student Refugee Program

The Student Refugee Program combines resettlement with higher education, giving young refugees the chance to pursue their studies and rebuild their lives in Canada. For over 45 years, the program has supported thousands of students in starting a new chapter full of possibility.

Are you a Student Refugee Program alum making an impact in your community or career? We’d love to share your story! Reach out to us at [email protected] so we can help amplify your work and celebrate your achievements.