Recent Afghan refugees volunteer to welcome 296 newcomers
When Afghan refugee Nasrin Hashemi first arrived in Canada in January, she was welcomed outside the airplane by someone speaking her language of Dari.
The greeting put her nerves at ease, such that she wanted to pass on the experience. Earlier this month she did just that, heading to the Edmonton International Airport among a group of 30 Afghan refugees who volunteered to welcome 296 more newcomers from their country.
“I felt relaxed that there was someone to help me in my own language because in my country back home I never speak in English, never,” Hashemi said.
“I decided I will go to the airport (on June 4) and help with the refugees. Maybe a lot of people don't have good experience with the language and because of that I want to help with the newcomers (who) don't know the English language.”
The June 4 arrival was the first charter flight of refugees into Edmonton since Taliban forces invaded Afghanistan's capital city, Kabul, on Aug. 15, 2021. About 160 of the passengers are to make Edmonton their home, with the rest heading to Calgary, Red Deer and other parts of Canada.
Hashemi and the rest of the refugee volunteers arrived in Canada on Jan. 11, 2022, as part of a group of 172 Afghan refugees with a connection to the Afghan Human Rights and Democracy Organization.
She said she assisted with translation, helped people get their necessary documents ready at the airport, showed them where their luggage was and answered any questions they had.
“We had a lot of conversations, they asked me about housing, about the weather, especially weather, about the language, about everything,” said Hashemi.
Hashemi, part of a family of 11, has since started studying at Norquest College to work on her English.
Although she is happy to be safe in Canada, she said the language barrier can be difficult and many families still have loved ones left behind in Afghanistan or other countries.
Kathryn Friesen, director of immigration and settlement services with Catholic Social Services (CSS), said the 30 volunteers jumped at the opportunity to welcome more newcomers from Afghanistan.
“That was an incredibly heartwarming experience,” said Friesen.
“They've been here such a short time but that group from the moment they landed were asking, `How can we give back to Canada? We're so grateful,' and they're always looking for opportunities of where they can help.
“So, when this opportunity presented itself we had so many people jump and say, `Yes, we want to help welcome the next group.'”
As volunteers had just gone through similar upheaval six months ago, it helps newcomers to see where they might be six months from now, Friesen said.
“To have someone who has just been through the exact same experience come and be the first to welcome them, and be the face of hope and resilience and to hear them talk about the dreams they're pursuing here in Canada, can be incredibly helpful and important in getting people through those difficult moments,” said Friesen.
She said the new group of refugees will stay in temporary housing for a few weeks while CSS helps them set up their life in Canada.
The agency helps them get their health cards and social insurance numbers, open bank accounts, enrol children into school and more. CSS also guides the search for permanent housing in Edmonton.
The June 4 charter flight was the first time CSS has welcomed such a large group of people at one time, from one plane. But Friesen said airport staff and Canadian Border Services Agency workers were welcoming and helped facilitate a smooth transition into Canada for the newcomers.