Rohingya student Jaivet Ealom’s attempt to flee Myanmar and become a refugee in another country turned into an agonizing tale of survival. Held in immigration detention for four years, on a notorious island prison, he made a daring escape and finally found sanctuary in Canada – arriving in Toronto in 2017 with $45 to his name. It is a testament to his courage and perseverance that, this fall, he expects to graduate from U of T with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Join us on June 15 as Jaivet Ealom speaks with U of T News writer Mariam Matti about his experience as a refugee, the challenges of being a newcomer in Canada, how he created a new life for himself here, and what’s next in his inspiring story.


Jaivet Ealom was born in Myanmar and now lives in Toronto, where he is a fourth-year student in politics and economics at the University of Toronto. He is a co-founder of the Rohingya Centre of Canada, and an outspoken advocate for the Rohingya community. His memoir Escape from Manus Prison was published in 2021.