Syrian refugees mark one year of being in Regina

It has been one year since Syrian refugees began arriving in Canada, including several hundred in Regina.

But it has not been the easiest transition, with many highs and lows over the last 12 months.

Naeila Alshatir spent several years in a camp in Jordan before arriving in Regina in February.

“Most of the Regina people are friendly and welcoming of the refugees and the newcomers and that has facilitated our lives here,” Alshatir explained.

Many of the families had to quickly adjust to life in Saskatchewan.

“Just 20 days, they called and said come to Canada and very quick, very quick, 20 days later we were here in Regina and in a classroom,” Chairin Ghanam said.

“It was very hard but good, one year on.”

Her husband, Oamr Ezzeddin, describes the biggest challenge being language skills, specifically learning English to find a job.

“Speaking is still very hard but now I understand most things,” he said.

All of those now speaking out say the best thing about living in Regina is the safety. The freedom to be able to sleep peacefully again at night.

“I sleep now everyday, but in Syria I never sleep. There was no light, they kill children everyday, many, many people die. It is so bad. It is so, so bad. But now for me and my family we are good,” Ghanam said, smiling at her husband.