INNISFAIL – The town has once again opened it doors to Syrian refugees.
Duaa Alhariri, 30, and her two sons, Hadi, 4, and Omar, 3, arrived in Canada just before the new year on Dec. 29.
They are the third Syrian refugee family that has arrived in Innisfail since Canada opened its doors to Syrian refugees in 2015.
“It was exciting. It was thrilling really (to meet the family),” said Jill Pedersen, liaison with the Welcoming Communities Committee, which sponsored the family. “They were so happy to be here and we were just delighted that finally that day had come.”
The family flew from Beruit, Lebanon to Frankfurt, Germany and then on to Calgary. They arrived in the afternoon that Saturday and were greeted by several committee members and family members who live in Red Deer, noted Pedersen.
“They were happy to see us and happy to see some of their family there,” said Pedersen, noting an aunt, uncle and several cousins who have been in Canada for five years.
Just weeks after their arrival, Alhariri and her sons are settling into life in Innisfail, said Pedersen. She added they will continue their transition with help from both the committee and her family members.
“Duaa’s English is pretty good. We’ve enrolled her in English lessons starting next week and the boys are already in playschool,” said Pedersen. “She studied English in Lebanon for six months and so did (eldest son) Hadi.
“The boys still have a ways to go (with their English) but they’ve made a start and they’re very keen to learn,” she added, noting the family stayed with Alhariri’s aunt and uncle for several days before they moved into their new home in Innisfail on Jan. 5.
“Her house is set up and furnished,” said Pedersen, pointing out some new experiences for their new life in Canada.
“(The boys) were actually excited to see the snow but it will take a while for them to acclimatize.”
Despite the overwhelming move to a new country, Pedersen said Alhariri is adjusting well to her new surroundings.
“She’s doing remarkably well. We are trying to give her as much support as we can and having her family here has been very helpful as well,” she said. “With those two (factors) I think it’s helped her transition tremendously.”
The community support has also been instrumental in helping bring Alhariri and her boys to Innisfail.
“We would like to thank the community for their tremendous and generous support. Without that we wouldn’t be where we are today,” said Pedersen. “Duaa and her boys are ready to embrace life in Canada and we’re helping them to do that.”
