Fleeing war to new beginnings in Waterloo region: How these 2 refugees are resettling
CBC
Over the last couple of years, hundreds of refugees fleeing war and dangerous conditions have moved to Ontario.
As of June 13, Ontario's Waterloo region alone has welcomed about 400 government-assisted and privately sponsored Afghan refugees fleeing Taliban rule.
Many Ukrainian refugees have also settled in the region and continue to make their way here following the Russian invasion. As of Ma 15, some 110 Ukrainians have arrived, according to Immigration Partnership.
Forced to leave everything behind, including their homes, jobs, belongings and even loved ones, these resilient families are slowly rebuilding a life.
To mark World Refugee Day on Monday, CBC Kitchener-Waterloo is highlighting two local families, and their stories of struggle, strength and resettlement — and how they're looking forward to futures full of ambition and new beginnings.
Hajera Amir Karimi and her two young daughters moved to Kitchener nine months ago, leaving behind a large extended family in Kabul.
Karimi, a journalist and former radio host, is also physically separated from her husband, who's in Germany, and anxiously hoping he'll be approved to come to Canada.
"It's very difficult for newcomers," she said, recalling her first few weeks in the country.
"You don't have a Canadian experience if you want to start to work … You don't know if the government will accept your diploma or not … [and] the language is a big problem."
"But [the] opportunities are good because Canada is a peaceful and democratic country," said Karimi.
Since moving, Karimi has enrolled in English lessons and found a local circle of caring friends, and her daughters are enjoying their new school and neighbourhood.
"Now I feel a little bit good," she said.
But the journalist is still itching to tell the stories of her home country. She hasn't been able to find a job here due to the language barrier, but she's not letting that get in the way.
WATCH | Afghan refugee Sayed Salahuddin Dorokhshan on resettling in Waterloo region:
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