An international personal support worker who’s settling into his new position in Renfrew says he’s been fortunate to have encountered so many kind people since his arrival.
Fleury Dushime of Burundi, Africa, is one of four international PSWs working at the Bonnechere Manor as part of a recruitment strategy being implemented for the first time in Renfrew County.
Dushime, who worked as a nurse for seven years before coming to Canada, said he intends to make the Bonnechere Manor a great place to live for residents.
Dushime said he is impressed with the Canadian culture and he and his housemates have had great support from his co-workers and the community, such as gifts of household supplies and other items, including bicycles for getting to and from work.
The one thing that they have found challenging? The cold weather.
The international PSW program, one of several initiatives designed to address a worker shortage, will see 20 international recruits join the Manor’s team by June. Manor administrator Dean Quade underscored the fact that the jobs filled with the international recruits were advertised locally with no success. There remain full-time and part-time opportunities at the Manor.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)