OTTAWA — The Harper government is set to make permanent an internship pilot project that has helped young refugees escape the world’s poorest, most violent places.

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney is expected to make the announcement Monday.

Since last September, university grads born in countries such as Afghanistan, Sudan and Somalia have gained crucial work experience with Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Department officials hope the life-changing initiative will expand across government.

It’s all part of the Young Newcomers Internship Program that welcomed 12 participants in its first year.

One of them was Nasir Maimanagy from northwestern Afghanistan.

Now 28, he first came to Toronto nine years ago through the World University Services Canada student refugee program.It gave him a golden-ticket opportunity to study business and political science at University of Toronto. He ultimately completed his degree at Memorial University in St. John’s, NL.