Welcome to our world
Syrian refugees share their culture with Renfrewshire
Renfrewshire welcomed refugees from warravaged Syria with open arms — and now they’ve introduced the people of Paisley to their homeland.
At an uplifting event at St Ninian’s Church hall, refugee families mixed with members of the community to tell stories of their lives in Syria.
The gathering was organised along with the West of Scotland Regional Equality Council (WSREC), which wanted to give the refugees a chance to express their culture.
Johannes Gonani, project coordinator for WSREC, explained: “We gave the Syrian community a chance to welcome us into their culture and to tell us about their culture from their own perspective.
“This is the culmination of this work and the speakers will share their own culture with us. We also have a Syrian meal.
“The message to the Syrian community is for them to feel settled and contribute to the community as much as they can, I believe everyone has a part to play in our community.”
One of the speakers on the day was dad-of-four Moaz Alqayss, 40, who arrived from Homs, in Syria, 18 months ago.
He told guests that his homeland ‘ was the cradle of civilization’ and explained its historical significance.
After his speech, he said the people of Paisley have been incredibly welcoming to him and his family.
He said: “I want to share the history and culture of Syria.
“But I want to show how much more love there is in this country, how there is more equality in this country.
“I hope in the future women are given more freedom in Syria.
“The people of Renfrewshire are always smiling and giving us happiness in my heart.”
Ale Aldelli, 26, who travelled with his mother Asma Althahet from Raqqa to live here, says that one day he hopes he might return to his county but for now he is happy to be here.
“Raqqa is very dangerous now, but one day I might get back.
“The people in Paisley have been very friendly — even at the airport the reception was fantastic.
“The refugee support group has helped me with everything here in Scotland.”
The chief executive of Engage Renfrewshire, Alan McNiven, handed out Saltire Awards to recognise volunteers from the local community.
And guests tucked into a traditional Syrian meal to close a very special event.