Through Project Hope, the Al Hussein family – a mother, father, and four children between the ages of 10 and 20 – made its way from Beirut to Shorrts Lake, via Frankfurt and Toronto, on Thursday.
“It was a long trip but it was the best trip,” said Ahmad, the eldest child. “It’s a new life and a new beginning for me.”
Because he is over age of 19, Ahmad’s application was treated separately from the rest of the family. He arrived on Wednesday, one day earlier than other family members.
“It is very different here,” he said while waiting at the airport for his family members. “People here treat each other in a good way. There is no discrimination.
“I want to improve my English and make friends. I love discovering new places.”
Ahmad, who has been studying English literature at university for the past two years, loves music and does some rapping.
Those involved in Project Hope were excited to finally meet the family they were helping.
“We were matched in January,” said Joel Dawe, of Project Hope. “Our applications were completed, I think, January 14, so we’ve been waiting a while for them to arrive.”
All four children went to school in Lebanon and learned English, so it will help with their transition into the community.
“It’s really kind of cool,” said Dawe. “We finally got a contact number for them on Tuesday after months of trying. One of our committee members used the ‘What’s App’ application and contacted them. She has friends who are Arabic speaking and she had a greeting prepared. She said if you speak English, please reply, and Ahmad, the oldest son, replied right away.”
Until the family arrived, the sponsorship group wasn’t sure just what type of skills the parents have – for work experience or English speaking. They were told the father had experience in carpentry and tiling, but that may not be the case.
“There will be, to my understanding, a test on their English skills and based on that, it will determine the next steps – if they need an English as a second language course, or can start looking for employment. There needs to be basic understanding of English.”
Once that is figured out, Dawe said the group will help with finding employment when the time comes.
For now, the Al Husseins are learning about, and adjusting to, their new life.
Through Project Hope, the Al Hussein family – a mother, father, and four children between the ages of 10 and 20 – made its way from Beirut to Shorrts Lake, via Frankfurt and Toronto, on Thursday.
“It was a long trip but it was the best trip,” said Ahmad, the eldest child. “It’s a new life and a new beginning for me.”
Because he is over age of 19, Ahmad’s application was treated separately from the rest of the family. He arrived on Wednesday, one day earlier than other family members.
“It is very different here,” he said while waiting at the airport for his family members. “People here treat each other in a good way. There is no discrimination.
“I want to improve my English and make friends. I love discovering new places.”
Ahmad, who has been studying English literature at university for the past two years, loves music and does some rapping.
Those involved in Project Hope were excited to finally meet the family they were helping.
“We were matched in January,” said Joel Dawe, of Project Hope. “Our applications were completed, I think, January 14, so we’ve been waiting a while for them to arrive.”
All four children went to school in Lebanon and learned English, so it will help with their transition into the community.
“It’s really kind of cool,” said Dawe. “We finally got a contact number for them on Tuesday after months of trying. One of our committee members used the ‘What’s App’ application and contacted them. She has friends who are Arabic speaking and she had a greeting prepared. She said if you speak English, please reply, and Ahmad, the oldest son, replied right away.”
Until the family arrived, the sponsorship group wasn’t sure just what type of skills the parents have – for work experience or English speaking. They were told the father had experience in carpentry and tiling, but that may not be the case.
“There will be, to my understanding, a test on their English skills and based on that, it will determine the next steps – if they need an English as a second language course, or can start looking for employment. There needs to be basic understanding of English.”
Once that is figured out, Dawe said the group will help with finding employment when the time comes.
For now, the Al Husseins are learning about, and adjusting to, their new life.
