Between 2015 and 2017, Canada opened its doors to refugees fleeing the horrors of the civil war in Syria. Many churches sponsored Syrian families helping them to start a new life in Canada and become Canadian citizens.
Three Mississauga United churches, First United, Applewood, and St Stephen’s on-the-Hill teamed up to welcome two Syrian families to our city. On a cold day In February 2015, the members of the Alsaadi family including Mohammed and Faiza plus their 4 children – son Bahaa (13) and daughters Zena (11), Sham (9), Deema (8) arrived in Mississauga. There was a frenzy of activity getting the family settled into an apartment and getting the school-aged children enrolled in the local school. Mohammed and Faiza initially divided their time between caring for their children and attending ESL classes at a local centre. Faiza had been an obstetrician in Syria. She was not able to completely make use of her medical degree, however she successfully completed a Canadian Midwifery qualification. She is now very busy working doing obstetrical care and delivering babies both in homes and at Milton Hospital. Mohammed hoped to eventually make good use of his Master of Agriculture Degree he had earned in Syria.
The arrival of the Alajroudi family in Canada was delayed until May 2017. This family was made up of Adanad and Rana and their three children Madj (12), Lana (8), and Karam (4). This family was accompanied by their parents Taysir and Lamya al Tayeb. The family had a small advantage that they had family members already living in Mississauga. Adanan was a computer technician and set to work upgrading his skills. His father in law, Taysir, shortly after arriving, and got a job driving a taxi.
Each of the three churches should be very proud to have helped these deserving people get a start towards becoming new Canadians. We’ve done a really good thing helping these people.