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Two years later, Syrian refugee family thrives in the community

Dec 21, 2017 | 3:16 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB – It’s been around two years since Canada welcomed 25,000 refugees fleeing the Syrian crisis. At that time, Medicine Hat became home to 242 Syrian refugees.

According to Saamis Immigration Services Association, that number has dropped to 152. 90 individuals have relocated to other cities where they had family or community connections that they wanted to be closer to.

One family who arrived in December 2015 and continue to live in Medicine Hat say they have quickly grown to love the community.

Rabeaa Munia, along with her husband Samir Munia and their 4 children, did not know what to expect when they arrived.

The family fled their home in Homs, Syria when violence erupted in 2011. They spent four years in Jordan before they were granted entry into Canada.

Rabeaa said life in Syria was difficult, but she was hesitant about uprooting their lives in Jordan and creating a new life in Canada.

“There were fears and concerns about different language, different people, different culture,” said Rabeaa.

But when she arrived in Medicine Hat with her family, she said those fears began to melt away. Staff from Saamis welcomed her at the airport, and she immediately felt a sense of belonging.

“When I saw them in the airport, I felt I am [with] my family,” she said.

Two years later, Rabeaa said her family as well as herself, are growing in the community.

Rabeaa took English classes and saw her language skills soar. She is now enrolled at Medicine Hat College, in hopes of one day becoming a pharmacy assistant.

Samir said he is grateful to live here, and away from the violence that has plagued Syria for years.

“Anything in Medicine Hat, in Canada, I’m very happy,” said Samir.

Samir continues to attend English classes at Saamis Immigration Services, and notices that his language skills are becoming stronger each day. He hopes to find work soon as a painter.

Saamis Immigration Services still provides English classes and other settlement services to many Syrian refugees in the community.

Settlement manager Marie-Claude Scahill said language continues to be a major barrier that refugees face.

“Many of our families came with low literacy levels and are working through that process of gaining enough English so that they are able to be employable in our community,” said Scahill.

Scahill said they offer four English classes five days a week, and the 15 available spots in each class are often filled up. She added that those who attend classes really put in the effort to learn.

Learning English to help with the job hunt has become even more crucial. Last year, federal funding ended for government-assisted refugees. Scahill said that didn’t create a significant impact on Syrian refugees in Medicine Hat.

“Some individuals have gained some employment so they’re working out in our community, and some are receiving some provincial funding. That enables them to come and continue their English,” said Scahill.

Building connections within the community is often another major barrier refugees face during their resettlement. Saamis offers ways for residents to help build those relationships.

“We have a community connections program. They connect you as a mentor – like a Canadian friend. You would connect with the families, meet with them, have maybe a coffee where you could then help with English as well,” said Scahill.

Rabeaa and Samir continue to focus on their education in order to land the jobs they want. Two years later, their connections to this community are growing.

And just like most parents, they look forward to the opportunities that life here can offer their children.

“My kids, I want them to become successful in their life. My daughter said I want to be a teacher. My second daughter, a doctor,” said Rabeaa.