A Visit by Ahmad

We were very fortunate to have Ahmad, a refugee from Syria, visit our class.  Thank you to Cynthia Bunbury who helped organize this visit.  Thank you to Tariq for translating from English to Arabic when necessary.  Tariq's family, as well as Cynthia and many others, have been supporting the family of 5 as they adapt to life in Canada.  The students asked Ahmad questions about life in Syria, his journey to Canada, adapting to his new home in Canada, what his interests are, favourite foods etc.  What they discovered is that he is a boy with the same interests and desires and needs as Canadian children.

The students presented Ahmad with the jacket we purchased earlier in the year from Jackets for Jasper.  Although his family is well supported, other refugees have great needs.  The jacket will be given to a refugee who will then be warm and cozy. Ahmad was also presented with attractive and thoughtful welcome cards that the students made.  In the cards, the students provided information about themselves and their families, places to visit in the area, useful information about our money, bus routes etc.  Once again I was very proud of the compassion the students showed.

Thank you Ahmad for answering many questions.  The students made a new friend.