Innisfail's first Syrian refugee family has arrived.
“It's very exciting news. This is a wonderful privilege,” said Terry Hayden, member of the refugee committee with Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. “When they came through the gate we had little Canadian flags waving. We had a big sign that said, ‘Welcome to Canada'. It was an emotional scene.”
Hayden said the committee and the church were given notice recently that the Hohwate family was going to arrive in the next few days. They left Beirut on Feb. 13 for Montreal and spent one day there.
“They arrived in Edmonton on February 14 at about 10 o'clock at night,” he added, noting the family had to go through refugee processing in Canada while they were in Montreal, before flying to Toronto and then Edmonton.
“They're a beautiful young family. They couldn't say thank you enough,” said Hayden. “They were very tired. It had been a long two days coming from Beirut, but they were so happy we were there.”
A woman of Syrian background who knew the family was on hand at the airport to help members of the committee with translations and to assist with acquainting the family with committee members.
“She met us there and provided initial translations and welcoming (remarks),” said Hayden, noting they all arrived back in Innisfail shortly after midnight on Feb. 15.
In addition to Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School is also preparing to welcome the Syrian refugee family, and particularly their seven-year-old daughter Etwal when she is ready to begin classes.
School principal Shane Chisholm gave a presentation to school administrators, ESL leads, counsellors, staff and students over the past several weeks, and the same presentation to Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church on Feb. 14. The presentation was created with Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools' inclusive services department in conjunction with CARE (Central Alberta Refugee Effort) and Catholic Social Services.
The presentation focused on student and school perspectives from Syrian culture. It explored cultural norms in Syria, and included discussions on potential issues such as discrimination, trauma or culture shock the refugees may face once they are settled.
Committee members are currently housing the family temporarily.
“We have a place already picked out for them and they'll move into their own place within the coming days,” said Hayden. “We're just waiting for some furniture to come together, but everything is ready in the house.”
In the meantime, members from both the refugee committee and the church will be busy assisting the Christian Syrian family in any way they can, he said.
“We've got the committee activated, doing everything from signing up for Alberta Health Care to obtaining post office boxes and insurance. Everything that you need to have to settle in Canada,” explained Hayden.
The Hohwate family, which includes father Fobhe, mother Mirna, seven-year-old daughter Etwal and a two-year-old son Antounyo, speaks little English, noted Hayden.
He said at the end of February or in early March the church plans on holding a welcoming ceremony where members of the parish will have a chance to meet the family.
“There has been overwhelming support. Within the committee, the school and the parish, not only in fundraising but in preparations to receive this Syrian refugee family,” said Hayden. “The refugee committee has done great work to make their transition as easy as possible.
“I'm confident that not only our parish and school, but the Innisfail community will embrace this lovely Syrian family.”
Terry Hayden
"When they came through the gate we had little Canadian flags waving and we had a big sign that said welcome to Canada. It was an emotional scene."
