Summary

This article describes how Syrian refugees who were entrepreneurs in their home country are working towards being entrepreneurs in Canada.

Getting Started

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

Study and Discussion Activity

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 and Additional Learning

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.