U of R president finds donors to help legally blind Syrian refugee
Anonymous donations will cover tuition for ESL classes
The story of a legally blind Syrian refugee's challenge to make a new life in Canada caught the attention of the president of the University of Regina who said she has gathered enough anonymous donations to support Hany Al Moliya with some English classes and more.
"I ... was deeply moved by his story," U of R president Vianne Timmons said in a statement Thursday, after meeting with Al Moliya. "Through discussions with him and interested members of the campus community, I have been able to secure enough anonymous donations to cover the costs of ESL courses at our Centre for Continuing Education, as well as any costs he incurs while taking these courses associated with accommodating his visual impairment."
Al Moliya, 21, told CBC News he was deeply moved by the gesture.
"I'm speechless," he said. "I'm very, very happy."
He said it gives him hope for his future adding with improved English his goal is to study engineering. The university added that when his ESL classes are done, they will discuss further study options with him.
"Our University is proud of our diversity and accessibility," Timmons added. "Helping Mr. Al Moliya is just one small example of the work done every day on our campuses to assist people of all backgrounds to build a better future through education."
Earlier this year, the Canadian government agreed to directly sponsor Al Moliya and his family. They are among the roughly 600 government-assisted Syrian refugees living in Canada. The majority of the 2,400 Syrian refugees who have come to Canada since 2009 are privately sponsored.
Al Moliya's four brothers and sister are all in school. His parents are on a waiting list for English classes.
His story has been highlighted by the the United Nations High Commission for Refugees after his talent for photography caught the attention of workers with the agency.