After being approached by extended family who already live in Winnipeg, OBUC started in 2018 to work on bringing the Habous Family to Canada. Following a turbulent 6 years, the father Ahmad, mother Layali, children Mariam (15), Taher (13), Umran (7) and Zain (5) finally arrived on August 27, 2024 after a long trip from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia through Toronto. Their welcome at the airport was very special, particularly for their family here.
It was only a few days prior to their arrival that we finally secured an affordable and suitable townhouse in St. Norbert, close to their family (2 sisters) in the South of Winnipeg. A large crew of OBUC volunteers helped to get the small home in shape for their arrival.
In the first month, the children started attending school in St Norbert, all within walking distance. Wi-fi was installed in their home, the family was signed up with many refugee and settlement organizations, and OBUC members donated furniture, clothing, used cell phones, two laptops, a printer, and more. As part of the start up plan, other necessities such as mattresses, bedding, clothing, kitchen materials, groceries, and other supplies were purchased.
Their English language skills were not very good, so we were having to use translation applications on our cell phones to communicate. The family was and is very grateful for all the OBUC support and hospitality that was provided, and very happy to be in Canada. It was a very positive and quick start up phase.
Since 2018 OBUC had been building up a fund for the family, and in the beginning of 2024 the balance was approx. $29,000. A special fundraising drive was organized by Alan Burpee and we received another $21,000, which brought us to the required funds needed upon their arrival, as specified by the government for a privately sponsored family. The generosity of our congregation, along with their friends and family, was amazing. There are some additional fundraising activities planned in the coming months, which we hope will generate at least $4000 to ensure the financial support in the last months of our 12 month commitment.
Since their arrival, much has happened: they were set up with Manitoba Health cards, application was made and they received their Permanent Resident cards, were set up with special transit passes, secured cell phone plans, necessary home improvements were made, the parents enrolled in daily English lessons, the first federal applications were made for child support and child tax credits, an Arabic speaking local pharmacist was found in St. Norbert, and they were taken to several Winnipeg based Refugee agencies to secure additional supports.
Then the snow came, which was a first for the 2 youngest children. The Habous family had heard much about our famous winters and were quite nervous, but they seem to be handling it quite well. In addition to the winter clothing donated by our congregation and that which had to be purchased, each family member received quality boots generously donated by Canadian Footwear.
Ahmad has been studying hard trying to pass the theoretical part of his Class 5 driver’s license. Although he had his Class 1 truck driving license in Syria, it expired 8 years ago and therefore is of no use to him. After 4 unsuccessful exams with questions translated into Arabic (but a different Moroccan Arabic as it turns out), we found an Arabic speaking driver instructor who translated the English questions for him during his exam. This did the trick, and he received his beginner’s license.
Recently, we also found the family an Arabic speaking doctor who is located very close to them. They have had a meet-and-greet and all 6 have been accepted as patients.
Next steps are to enroll them in other federal government programs, such as rent assist, GST credits, Pharmacare, and to submit their first Income Tax claims for 2024. They also will be listed with all subsidized housing organizations in the city, in case they need to move to different housing once they are no longer financially dependent on OBUC.
The children are doing well in school and their English is improving. Layali is progressing and is in level 3, with Ahmad coming along slowly and is in level 2. We can now have a slow conversation with Layali without Google Translate. Umran has needed some extra help at school and has been assigned an EA, which is really working out well for him.
The main focus going forward, is to prepare them for their independent financial and professional life. This will start in September, when our 1-year sponsorship program and obligation will come to an end. Much has to happen in this area. We are slowly moving all financial transactions over to them (ex. utilities, transit passes, phone plans, and eventually the monthly rent payment). They will be registered and in communication with all organizations that provide job opportunities, as well as with companies directly. Ahmad has been registered for a welding and manufacturing course and is also very interested in anything to do with driving. Layali used to be an early years teaching assistant, so we will be helping her to look for a position in that area. The teenage children may be looking for some summer jobs to help the family out financially.
Areas that we need help and support from our congregation in the upcoming phase are:
- Practise driving with Ahmad.
- Become a social contact for Ahmad to help him practise English.
- Helping Ahmad and Layali find and apply to potential employers.
- Help register the family with any additional federal and provincial programs.
- Search out and register them for all possible supported housing programs in the city.
- Assist them with planning and managing their monthly budgets.
Sponsoring the Habous family has been, and continues to be, a rewarding and wonderful outreach program for OBUC. Our congregation has come together once again and shown how very much we can accomplish as a church family. The Habous family are very kind and caring, and are extremely grateful to all of you for your generosity and support. We are planning a special gathering at our church for a meet and greet in early May. We look forward to your support as we continue with this important commitment.
Submitted for the OBUC Refugee Committee, by Laurie Peper