Rimel Chouri and Yassine Nouri, two beneficiary trainees from Tunisia, embrace what they consider to be their “new life” in Lac-Saint-Jean.
Installed on the territory of Jeannois for some time, the two compatriots are in the process of completing an Attestation of Collegial Studies (AEC) at the Cégep de Saint-Félicien. They first followed part of their training in their country of origin, before arriving in Lac-Saint-Jean in November 2020, to complete their work placement.
You could say that my existence started here. So, I’m happy, says Rimel Chouri.
His request and that of his compatriot are part of the dozen selected out of approximately 100 submitted to the Cégep de Saint-Félicien by foreign students. All of them wanted to complete their training as beneficiary attendants in the Jeannois region.
We really wanted to have people with a file that corresponded in every way, that it is not just the attraction of immigration, but who have an interest in working in the field, who really want to help residents in residence to elderly people, explains the educational advisor at Cégep de Saint-Félicien, Bernard Naud, who is responsible for projects with Tunisia.
Bernard Naud, educational advisor at the Business and Community Service at the Cégep de Saint-Félicien, responsible for projects with Tunisia.
Rimel works at the Intermediate Resource of Domaine-du-Roy and enjoys it very much. Well received by residents and staff, she particularly enjoys the human aspect of her future profession.
I like the human side. I took care of my grandmothers at home. It gives me the strength and confidence that I will be successful in this area, says the Tunisian, who has left her family behind to follow her heart.
Rimel Chouri, Tunisian beneficiary trainee at the Domaine-du-Roy intermediate resource in Saint-Félicien.
I started here from zero. So finding a person like Manon, a big sister, is really a gem, she says, about her colleague, Manon Bradette, with whom she has developed a close relationship.
Me, I call it love at first sight of friendship. When we saw each other, we saw a lot of things in common.
A quote from:
Manon Bradette, beneficiary attendant
The partner establishment of Cégep de Saint-Félicien in Tunisia presented Quebec to students before their departure. The accent, culture, habits and customs of Quebecers were discussed in order to properly prepare newcomers.
Appreciated
Sylvie Larouche, a resident of the Domaine-du-Roy Intermediate Resource, knows that she can count on Rimel, her presence and her dedication.
Yassine finds great satisfaction in her role as trainee attendant at the Résidence L’Émeraude in Roberval.
Yassine Nouri, Tunisian beneficiary trainee at Résidence L’Émeraude, in Roberval
PHOTO: RADIO-CANADA / ROMY BOUTIN ST-PIERRE
It is a pleasure to work with the elderly. It will help us, because they are treasures. It’s true, they are cultural treasures, above all , he philosopher. With users like Yolanda Plourde, who enjoys the good humor and her songs, he has forged links.
Yassine also lives here and has close contact with the residents. We feel that his career goal is to provide residents with benefits , notes the director, Karine Blackburn.
Rimel and Yassine will receive their AEC in June and are awaiting their work permit. They each obtained a two-year contract within their respective residence, which testifies to the crying needs for the standard-bearers of the attendant profession.
