A woman from Eritrea stands behind a traditional setup for coffee at World Refugee Day. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Craddock

A NEW LIFE

Local refugees share stories of their dreams at World Refugee Day celebration

Jun 20, 2022 | 3:08 PM

June 20 is known as World Refugee Day and hundreds gathered in Prince Albert to mark the international occasion.

The local YWCA hosted an open fair for the day at the former Wesley United Church with newcomers from several countries showing cultural outfits, bags, weaved baskets, traditional bread, coffee, and tea. There were also pictures and stories of what life was like for local refugees before fleeing their country.

One of those refugees was Mariam Idris from Sudan. She arrived in Prince Albert with her family in 2018 after spending several years in a refugee camp in Uganda.

“In our city, they attacked us, the government and other militia. Then they burned all the city, that’s why we left,” she said. “There is the UN organization that helped us set up in a refugee camp.”

She said the biggest thing for her to adjust to was the freezing weather. Aside from that, the support from the YWCA has helped her and her family become accustomed to their new home.

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Only recently did Mariam complete her education and now aspires for nursing.

“A few days ago, I graduated high school. In October I will apply for the LPN program. Because I didn’t get the chance to complete my education, I have a dream and I want to complete that dream.”

(Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

(Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

(Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

Another refugee who calls Prince Albert home is Najibulla Sorosh, who left Afghanistan and is now a settlement counselor with the YWCA.

He recalls his story of leaving after the Taliban took control of the country last fall. He had waited for hours at the airport before leaving, not knowing where he would go.

Carolyn Hobden is manager of settlement services with the YWCA in Prince Albert and said it’s important they recognize World Refugee Day.

“It just shows the courage and ability for people to start over and move on and I think it brings awareness to people in our community on what other people have gone through. It’s not these people’s choice that they’ve left their country but it’s because of war or persecution that they’ve had to leave.”

She added they have welcomed almost 120 refugees since the middle of March and are expecting more who are still in quarantine.

She said many have a hard time adjusting to a new country, new culture, and new language. Thankfully, the newcomers in Prince Albert have built a great community.

“No matter where you’re from, we have a sense of community here where they support each other,” said Hobden. “They support each other emotionally and also, they help each other out with transportation and physical things they need, like going to the grocery store.”

—

derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock