Bernardine's story

August 10, 2009

When you ask Bernardine what it means to be Canadian, she flashes a proud smile. After two years in London, she and her husband Jerome are achieving the stability they dreamed of and are becoming active in their community.

Originally from India, the couple moved to Dubai and spent 20 years building a successful life. Bernardine became the head mistress of a prestigious primary school, while Jerome worked as a guidance counselor. Their hard work provided the opportunity for their two children to attend university overseas, and both chose to study in Canada.

After the first visit to see their children in university, Bernardine was hooked. “I longed to be with my children,” she says, “but I was starting to fall in love with Canada too. There was a warmth and openness in everyone we met and the feeling that you could pursue your ambitions. Jerome and I started thinking that Canada was where we belonged.”

After university, their son settled in Montréal and their daughter in London. The couple decided to follow. Leaving their satisfying careers and life in Dubai was a difficult decision, but they were excited to find success in their new country. Bernardine hit the ground running as a new Londoner. She took training courses to update her skills, volunteered in her neighbourhood and connected with everyone she could. Soon, she found a job.

Then, Jerome became ill and needed surgery. Bernardine had to leave her job in order to take care of her husband. For the first time, her confidence was shattered. “I was so determined to succeed in our new life but I found out it wasn’t as easy as I hoped,” she says. “I got overwhelmed.”

With neither of them working, Bernardine sought the help of the London Employment Help Centre. They explained the Employment Insurance process and the centre’s United Way funded advocacy program helped her to successfully qualify for it. Through EI, she was eligible for a government Job Creation Program position as an Employment Support Worker at WIL Employment Connection. She applied and got the job. “My new role has been a boost to my confidence and I call it my ‘real’ Canadian work experience,” she says. “I am a people person and I love helping others.”

Bernardine’s confidence is back and Jerome is well and is working towards his English as a Second Language teaching certification.

“I feel empowered,” says Bernardine. “Without the support I received I would never have been able to have the stability I have with my family now. It’s been a bumpy road but my motto is stay focused, motivated and be persistent in your attempts. Canada has been great to us and I’m proud that now I can give back to my community as well.”



Strengthening families is one of United Way of London & Middlesex's priority areas. Learn more.