Souad

Souad Dhibi emigrated from Tunisia to Canada in 2014 with her family. In Tunisia, she had completed her high school diploma and had to give up further education to support her family of nine siblings, despite having a huge passion for learning. She worked in varied roles ranging from receptionist to quality control in factories. After arriving in Canada, Souad spent her initial years in Canada assisting her husband in his business and performing a wide variety of difficult tasks. She moved to Smithers, BC in 2019 for her 3-year-old son’s schooling needs. This allowed her time to pursue education and search for a better job.

She needed to learn computer skills and improve her English speaking skills to find the job of her choice. She started an online business selling Jade stones, at the same time joined English classes to improve her language skills. Her long-term goal was to find a job in the government sector and help others. Besides working, she got involved in fundraising by joining committees working to find solutions for social issues back in her home country and in her community in Canada. When she heard about the Employment and Life Skills program from the Community Services, Smithers, she felt it was the right choice for her to empower herself. She enrolled in the program in January 2022.

She found the ELS program valuable and highly informative, particularly improving in her networking skills, English communication, effective using LinkedIn, and tailoring her resume, and interview skills. In addition to the tangible skills, Souad has learned to be self-confident and assertive. Where earlier she had left a job unable to stand up to bullying at the workplace, she now feels empowered and confident about handling difficult situations and standing up for herself. She has faith in her abilities to take the first step in her social contribution journey.

Souad says “I now have the self-assurance to go after my goals and feel confident about achieving success in my professional endeavors.”