Syrian refugee family reflects on new life in Nova Scotia

With a growing influx of Syrian refugees to Canada expected in the next few months, one family brought together after some escaped the war-torn Middle East country is reflecting on their lives in Nova Scotia.

It was a year ago this week that Chaker al-Samman, 31, welcomed his father, mother and younger brother to Canada during an emotional reunion at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

At Chaker's side were his wife, Alaa Alouf, and three children under the age of eight — none of whom had ever before met their Syrian grandparents.

The grandparents, Bassam and Fereal, fled south Damascus for Egypt so their younger son, Mohamad, would not have to spend more time in the Syrian Army.  

Sponsored privately by Chaker, who left Syria in 2008, they abandoned a store and clothing manufacturing business, arriving in Canada with only a few suitcases.

'It's peace and quiet'

This year has meant many adjustments for both families. Chaker's parents and younger brother live in the basement of a modest two-storey Lower Sackville home, while the rest of the family live on the main floor.

"It's good to have the whole family altogether," said Chaker. "It's a good feeling for the kids to meet their grandparents. But it's really hard because I am the only one working full time and I have no income help at all."

"It's peace and quiet," says Fereal, in Arabic, her son sitting close beside her on the couch. She then struggles to find the English words that express what has been the highlight of 2015 for her.

"Family. Son. Grandson."

There are lots of hugs and laughter and roughhousing with the grandkids, but because the grandparents speak very little English and the youngest al-Sammans don't speak Arabic, language can be a barrier.

Chaker's parents and brother go to English as a second language classes in Highfield Park for a few hours each day. They praise their teachers and the Halifax Transit bus system, but progress with English is slow, particularly for Chaker's parents, who are in their 50s.  

English language training is essential

"The ESL program is great," says Alaa. "They are getting four or five mornings a week. But one year for someone to get accustomed to a new life, if you are going part time for two hours a day, it just isn't enough." 

Google Translator is helping Mohamad convert his thoughts from Arabic into English words.

"My brother Mohamad, he's catching on," says Chaker. "He now works some nights with me in the pizza shop where I cook full time. Maybe by next year, he will be independent. But for my mom and dad it's very hard."

"You can't get a job unless you have the language skills," says Alaa. "Often employers demand experience. When you come from a different country, you don't have any experience in Canada."

Chaker is worried about paying the bills until Alaa finishes her nursing degree at Dalhousie University in a year. The arrival of a fourth baby later this month will further increase pressure on the household.

"It's a lot of juggling, but it's important for me to have a good career for the kids and for us as well," says Alaa.

Chaker wonders if there is any help available for refugees like his parents, who are not part of the incoming wave of community-sponsored refugees, but are straining his resources to the limit.

"Living, housing ,clothing, feeding," said Chaker wearily, "I get tired after one year."

Bassam and Fereal still have two daughters who hope to come to Canada to join the rest of the family. The daughters left Syria and are currently waiting in Turkey. The family stays in touch using the internet.

'Try a new way of life'

Asked if they had any advice for new Syrian refugees about to arrive, Chaker and Alaa agree it's important to "not look back."

"It's tough because when you come. You have your traditions, your way," says Alaa. "The best advice I could give someone is let that go and try to get into the new way of life here."  

As an example, there is a shiny new Christmas tree standing in Chaker and Alaa's living room this year, even though both families are Muslim.   

Mohamad's wish for the New Year is to learn enough English to return to school to pursue a trade.