This article describes how Syrian refugees who were entrepreneurs in their home country are working towards being entrepreneurs in Canada.
Appropriate Subject Area(s):
Marketing, entrepreneurship, target market
Key Questions to Explore:
- What are the challenges new immigrants face in becoming entrepreneurs?
Materials needed:
Copies of the article
Introduction to lesson and task:
Students will learn about a specific Syrian refugee who is starting a business in Canada and have the opportunity to think about how this experience applies to other immigrants.
Action (lesson plan and task):
- Review with the class the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs.
- Distribute the article for reading.
- In pairs, have students attribute some of the characteristics identified in question one to Rami Tawil.
- Given that Rami Tawil has many of the entrepreneurial characteristics required for success, what are the barriers and challenges he faces as an entrepreneur in his newly-adopted country?
Consolidation of Learning:
- In pairs, have students discuss how Rami Tawil’s experience might be similar to or different from other immigrant entrepreneurs. Use a Venn diagram to illustrate these similarities and differences.
Success Criteria:
- Students acknowledge what it takes to be an entrepreneur and appreciate the efforts that new immigrants make to contribute to Canada’s economy.
Confirming Activity:
- Have students write a one-minute paper outlining either the economic or social contributions new immigrant entrepreneurs make to our community.