Syrian refugee flees certain death, begins new life in Kitchener
After every one of Mervan Matini's friends were captured and killed in Syria, he and his family knew it was time to escape the embattled country. With only enough money to sponsor one family member, they chose the 21-year-old activist and journalist to come to Canada. This is his story.
After every one of Mervan Matini's friends were captured and killed in Syria, he and his family knew it was time to escape the embattled country.
They fled to Jordan but had only enough money to sponsor one family member. Matini, 21, was chosen and he arrived on Oct. 20, 2015.
Matini immediately began to learn English and upgrade his high school credit. He hopes to become an engineer and bring the rest of his family to Canada.
Hear his incredible story, as told to The Morning Edition's Craig Norris. Their conversation was translated by Matini's uncle, Azam Fouk Aladeh.