Since 2023, Calgary has been home to Kafayat Tijani, who originally hails from Nigeria. Her journey has taken her across the globe, with time spent living and working in the United Arab Emirates and Scotland. With a background in both teaching and healthcare, Kafayat brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and dedication to her role as a volunteer.
In 2024, motivated by her passion for supporting youth, Kafayat joined CIWA. She was eager to contribute to dynamic and interactive summer day camps, creating safe, fun, and enriching spaces for young immigrant girls. She is particularly drawn to helping youth build leadership skills, form friendships, and strengthen their self-esteem.
Since then, Kafayat has become an exceptionally active and dedicated volunteer with CIWA’s Youth Programs. She has been a star volunteer at summer camps for two years in a row and continues to generously give her time to school lunch and after-school programs across Calgary.
Volunteering has given me a deeper appreciation for communication, collaboration, and the resilience of young people. I value the chance to see the world through their perspective and to support them as they build new lives in Canada
Through her work, she helps create an environment where leadership, empathy, and connection can flourish. Staff describe her as an invaluable part of the team: “Kafayat’s confidence in teaching and sharing her knowledge in the classroom has been absolutely instrumental. She plays a vital role in sharing the mission of not only our programs but of the entire organization. We deeply admire her humbleness combined with her strong values, which make her an absolute joy to work alongside.”
Although Kafayat is already experienced in teaching and social work, she says volunteering at CIWA has taught her empathy on a whole new level. It has also helped her integrate into Canadian society and gain valuable insights into Canadian workplace culture.
Thriving in CIWA’s multicultural environment, she finds constant inspiration in the creativity and imagination of the youth she supports. She says that volunteering at CIWA is a meaningful part of her journey. It has given her a deep sense of belonging in Canada, and youth have helped her connect with others in ways I never imagined.
Outside of volunteering, Kafayat enjoys reading and travelling—pursuits that mirror her love for learning and exploring new perspectives.
We are so grateful for Kafayat’s dedication and the positive impact she continues to make in the lives of immigrant youth.