From Rohingya Refugee to Tech Professional
From Rohingya Refugee to Tech Professional
Tahsin coding in front of his work set-up at his rented home in Jakarta
Tahsin, along with his parents and younger brother, fled Myanmar, due to his father’s occupation that was seen as being threatening to the government. Their journey led them to Bangladesh, where they often faced discrimination and struggled to blend in with the local population.
Despite limited opportunities for formal education, Tahsin pursued self-learning and developed skills in computer science. He became proficient in programming languages like JavaScript and Python, often seeking guidance from online resources and mentors. His knowledge and passion for computers made him a mentor to his friends and community.
In 2017, due to increasing restrictions in Bangladesh, Tahsin’s mother made the difficult decision to leave and seek refuge in Indonesia. The family first arrived in Medan, where he sought assistance from UNHCR and eventually settled in Jakarta with the support of his uncle and local faith-based organizations. In 2018, Tahsin spent months learning to code at his family’s rented room. “I spent 15 to 16 hours at home just coding while my mom was cooking and my sister was playing,” he said.
Tahsin continued to enhance his programming skills while volunteering for an Indonesian startup.
“It was not important to be paid, but it was so important to be able to get the skills and training of a software engineer.”
His dedication and talent led him to be connected with various companies, including a technology startup from Singapore and another from Canada called Empowered.
Just a few months being associated with Empowered, he was offered an exciting opportunity to relocate to Canada thanks to the help of Talent Lift, a non-profit talent sourcing company.
Tahsin has since moved to Canada earlier this year and is currently a permanent resident, eligible to apply for citizenship and potentially reunite with his family. He plans to continue working in the IT sector and immerse himself in a new culture and explore new opportunities.
Tahsin hugs his brother farewell at the airport, prior to his departure to Canada.
Throughout his journey, Tahsin has learned the importance of seizing opportunities, tracking his progress, and leveraging the vast resources available online. He encourages others to unlock the doors of opportunity, to keep learning, and embrace the power of the internet.
“Whenever you have learned something, never forget to track your progress,” he said.
Despite the challenges of being apart from his family, Tahsin remains close to his mother, who supports his ambitions wholeheartedly. His priority upon reaching Canada is to bring his family together again and create a brighter and happier future for them.
A selfie Tahsin shared with UNHCR staff when he visited the Niagara Falls in Canada.
Tahsin’s remarkable journey as an isolated Rohingya refugee to a skilled tech professional exemplifies resilience, determination, and the power of education. His story is an inspiration to all. To the agencies that work with isolated and excluded groups and to others facing similar challenges, reminding them that with perseverance, learning, and seizing opportunities, they too can overcome adversity and achieve their dreams.
About Talent Lift
Talent Lift is a non-profit talent sourcing partner helping employers source and relocate talent from within refugee populations. For more information, please visit its website at https://www.talentlift.ca
For media inquiries, please contact:
Mitra Suryono, [email protected] or +6281119600493
