Afghan refugees get unexpected settlement support from Syrian counterparts

Refugees from Afghanistan are integrating within their Canadian communities with the help of people who recently went through a similar experience: refugees from Syria.

Afghanistan was taken over by the Taliban in August 2021, prompting an exodus from the country. A lot of those who fled are ending up in Canada, and need help settling into a new land.

The new Afghan refugees are being linked with families from Syria who came to Canada six years ago under similar circumstances.

It’s part of the “From Syria to Afghanistan” campaign launched by the Syrian Canadian Foundation. The program wants to connect Afghan refugees with 100 Syrians while raising $5,000 for resettlement support.

The goals of the partnership include helping with general integration obstacles, eliminating social isolation, and promoting cultural exchanges.

“I think the reason knowing what a refugee goes through, they feel what these Afghan refugees have been through before coming here to Canada,” said Marwa Khobeih, the program director at the Syrian Canadian Foundation (SCF).

“Many of the people that are a part of SCF and who are volunteers and they’re Syrian newcomers, knowing how they are following up with me, telling me where the Afghani refugees are staying, which hotel, asking me what grocery shopping that they can buy them, and clothes, and them just following and taking initiative in the campaign is really heartwarming.”

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The federal Liberal government initially promised to settle 20,000 Afghan refugees and then doubled that commitment to 40,000 during the election campaign in September.

Refugees can be brought to Canada by the government or through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program, which allows citizens, permanent residents and certain organizations to sponsor newcomers provided they can support the refugees with the funds needed to start a life here.

The Darrouba family has volunteered to help with the campaign. They made their way to Canada in 2016 under the resettlement program after escaping the war in Idlib, a city in northwestern Syria. They lived in Lebanon for a short while before arriving in Peterborough, Ont. – their new home.

The Darroubas say they want to return the favour and support they got from Canadians by helping newcomers from Afghanistan.

“My dad usually helps newcomers like transfer them to places, help them get from place to place,” said Aya Darrouba.

“Also if they speak Arabic it would be better for them than actually take a cab so that they can have a conversation and interact better.”

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Darrouba says she’s overjoyed to help Afghan refugees who are starting a new chapter of their lives in Canada, looking for peace and stability just like her family did six years ago.

“I help people because it just makes me feel better,” she said. “I feel like I’m being supportive and make people happy and smile and maybe change something in their lives, at least a little bit. And feel happy for a few minutes and make them feel welcome.”

Khobeih says the organization collaborates with several community partners in order to connect families and provide services.

“I feel like many of these families are living in isolation and they need this kind of emotional support knowing that someone is there for them, answering their questions and basically just having friends here in Canada,” said Khobeih.

—With files from The Canadian Press