Giving back
How one Langara science student is inspiring Canada’s young changemakers
Jan 8, 2025
(Above) Vancouver student Yahya Bakour’s dreams of working in medicine are supported by the TELUS Student Bursary program.
The TELUS Student Bursary has cleared the way for Yahya Bakour to pursue his dream of practicing medicine and uplifting his community.
At 20 years old, Yahya Bakour has already overcome more hardships than most people twice his age have ever had to endure. He and his family survived the civil war in Syria and endured years of uncertainty in refugee camps before arriving in Canada in 2020. This experience, along with financial hardship, food and housing insecurity and the devastating loss of family and loved ones have all served to shape his young life to date.
But Bakour embraces the future with unwavering optimism and determination. Today, with support from the TELUS Student Bursary, he is studying science at Langara College, on his way to becoming a doctor, while giving back to his community, including volunteering at youth-focused programs and providing food and shelter for refugees, newcomers and the unhoused in his neighbourhood.
Ultimately, he wants to change lives – and the world – for the better.
“Living in social housing in a low-income neighbourhood and relying on food banks for our monthly needs has taught me a lot about life,” says Bakour. “I’m doing everything in my power to help my parents, who sacrificed everything so we could have better lives, and serve as an inspiration for other young refugees settling in Canada by showing them what’s possible to achieve.”
That drive and commitment to give back are big reasons why Bakour is among the nearly 1000 post-secondary students across Canada to date to be awarded the TELUS Student Bursary, which honours changemakers who are experiencing critical financial need.
This year marks the second anniversary of the fund, which launched in 2023 following a $25-million endowment gift from TELUS, along with an additional $25-million commitment in fundraising from TELUS Friendly Future Foundation. The bursary, valued at $5,000 for bachelor degree students and $3,000 for diploma students in any field of study or trade, are intended to help break down financial barriers and empower young people across Canada to thrive and reach their full potential.
The cost of post-secondary education is a significant barrier for tens of thousands of youth across Canada.
According to a 2024 Maru Public Opinion survey
, 65 per cent of Canadian students define themselves as financially unstable and nearly half (45 per cent) are currently unable to adequately cover basic needs such as food and housing. Critically, the survey found that one in four students have considered dropping out of their post-secondary program because of financial challenges, causing a negative ripple effect
across families, communities and the country.To further support students in their academic – as well as post-graduation – success, bursary recipients are also given access to free mobility and discounted internet plans through
TELUS’ Mobility for Good and Internet for Good programs
, as well as mental health support through the TELUS Health Student Support app, mentoring, networking and other career development opportunities throughout their schooling.This year alone, 76 per cent of the bursaries were awarded to equity-deserving groups including Black, First Nations, Métis, Inuit and refugee or newcomer youth. Additionally, 50 per cent are the first in their family to pursue post-secondary education.
TELUS Student Bursary recipient, Yahya Bakour is inspiring Canada’s young changemakers
For Bakour, the financial support he has received through the TELUS Student Bursary program has helped him to continue his studies at Langara College. He also continues to serve as a mentor for other young people in Vancouver. Among his community work, Bakour has helped to start a youth soccer program, a board games club and took part in the RideForRefuge initiative, a local effort to raise funds for newly arrived refugees in Canada. He and his team successfully raised over $9,000 to help new families with housing, groceries and education.
“My journey through the refugee crisis has taught me the true meaning of leadership and the importance of uplifting those in need,” says Bakour. “The TELUS Student Bursary is giving me a head start so I can access the right resources and achieve my dreams through Langara. By becoming a doctor, I can continue making a positive impact, inspire other refugees to achieve their dreams and help goodhearted people live rich, fulfilling lives.”
The next application window will open in Spring 2025. Support more students like Yahya in achieving their dreams. Learn more and donate at
friendlyfuture.com/bursary
.
