Former Youth in Care Becomes Teacher After Overcoming Challenges

Jonathan Alvaji will celebrate a significant milestone on November 26, 2025, as he graduates from the University of British Columbia (UBC) with a degree in education. His journey to this achievement has been marked by a series of personal challenges and a determination to give back to the community that supported him through tumultuous times.

Alvaji’s early life was anything but stable. He attended approximately eight different elementary schools due to his parents’ ongoing legal issues, which he described as chaotic. By age 13, his situation worsened, leading to his placement in the care of his grandmother. Shortly thereafter, she made a pivotal decision to put him into foster care, a choice she regarded as one of the hardest of her life. Alvaji reflects on this moment as transformative, stating, “We still stayed in contact, and I saw her frequently, but that decision probably saved me.”

Finding Stability and Support

Alvaji found his first measure of stability at Garibaldi High School in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. There, he met Coralee Tibando, a youth worker who provided him with essential support throughout his high school years. “She was an incredible support for me during my high school days and in the years since,” Alvaji noted. Tibando remembers him as a resilient and authentic individual who left a lasting impact on her life as well.

His experience at Garibaldi was further enriched by Scott Ormiston, one of his teachers who emphasized accountability. Alvaji recalls, “Whenever I got in trouble, he’d say, ‘You made this decision, and now there’s a consequence.’ He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.” Ormiston recognized Alvaji’s determination and potential, saying, “Despite all the challenges he faced, Jonathan wanted to better himself at a young age.”

After high school, Alvaji pursued a career in trades, earning a Red Seal certification in cabinetmaking. He found joy in his work but felt a strong desire to give back, inspired by the support he received from Tibando and Ormiston.

Education Journey and Community Support

The turning point for Alvaji came at a friend’s wedding when he learned about a classmate studying to become a shop teacher. This sparked a realization: “In ten years, am I going to regret not doing this? The answer was yes, so I decided to take a chance on myself and enroll at BCIT.”

His enrollment at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) was facilitated by a provincial tuition waiver program for former youth in care, which has allowed him and 93 other students to graduate from UBC since its inception in 2014. “When the provincial government removed the age limit, it made me eligible to receive funding which completely changed things for me,” he explained.

At UBC, Alvaji excelled, earning the 2025 Skills for Hope Foundation Award in Education. He overcame self-doubt regarding his writing and grammar skills, revealing, “I passed with flying colours and realized I could actually do this.” The university also provided him with a community through its former youth-in-care student group, fostering a sense of belonging.

Kieran Forde, the Cohort Facilitator for UBC’s Technology Education program, worked closely with Alvaji during his practicum. “Jonathan is the kind of person you root for,” he said. Forde admired Alvaji’s conscientious nature and his understanding of the responsibilities that come with being a teacher candidate. “We are all so excited to see what happens next for him in his career,” Forde added.

Stepping into Teaching

Alvaji’s practicum experience solidified his passion for teaching. “I realized how much I love teaching,” he stated. In September, he began his role as a technology teacher in Terrace, British Columbia. His aim is to embody the supportive qualities he received from his mentors. “I remember the impact their support had on me, and that’s what I want to give my students, too,” he said, emphasizing the importance of understanding each student’s unique background and circumstances.

On graduation day, Alvaji’s grandmother will be present, a testament to her unwavering support throughout his journey. “It’s going to be a full circle moment for me,” he expressed, reflecting on the transformative nature of his path from chaos to a fulfilling career in education.

Jonathan Alvaji’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of resilience and the profound impact of supportive relationships in education.