Meet Afua

Tell me about yourself. . .

I came to Canada from Ghana in 2005 with my father. I’m 31 years old and
I have beautiful children aged aged 10, and 4 years old. I came to Canada from Ghana in 2005.  I worked previously in administration however most important job is my children! They occupy all of my time. (smiling)

What brought you to Times Change?

Afua is now employed an as an

Administrative Assistant through Times Change

I was in desperate need to find work and was having no success on my own. I was discovering that finding a job as an administrative assistant was hard not only because of the competition, but I had my children, with no family support to take care of them.  I was so frustrated, and depressed that
I felt sick. I have a positive attitude and knew if would get better. But it was a matter of when…and how?

What services have you used at Times Change and how have they helped?

I joined the Job search workshop and I learned so much! I learned how to think 'outside of the box.' What I had been doing was internet, internet, internet and who knows where my resume goes. So I learned how to ask friends, and reconnect with my network of friends. Something I would have never done before because I would have been embossed to ask. Their reaction was empathetic, they wanted to help, and I developed leads and even passed on my resume to their bosses.

The mock interview was the most important for me though. I thought I was doing okay with interviews but was I wrong! By videotaping my interview, I saw what
I was doing wrong. It really gave me confidence.

Then the Job Developer told me they had a suitable contract job for my through the placement program with hours that fit my childcare needs. I went in for the interview with the employer and guess what, I wasn't nervous! I was able to sell my skills and show I was the right person for the job. And I got it!

What would you be doing if you hadn't come to Times Change?

I have seen my self esteem go up, and I am really happy to get up and to be productive. Before I felt worthless and not giving anything back to society. Now
I feel so proud that my children look up to me and know I'm going to work. There is a bounce in my step when I go to work!

The most important aspect for me now is that my daughter sees me going to work, and it gives me such a great feeling that I can be a role model for her, coming back from adversity.

In your opinion, what makes Times Change special?

Times Change is so special because they cater to women, and it's run by women. They understood my challenges of having children, and embraced me as an individual. They were sympathetic, and I felt free from judgment.

Help women become successful like Afua by making a donation to Times Change.