Members of the School Sisters of Notre Dame Atlantic-Midwest Province living and working in and around the Notre Dame Convent in Waterdown Ontario, Canada are making a difference in the lives of refugees there in a variety of ways, including teaching English. For one Syrian family, though, the Sisters have been a gift that has transformed their lives.
Marvan and Yasmeen fled Syria with their young son Mohamed to escape the devastating war in their country. They were among thousands of Syrians who have done so over the past few years. Fortunately for these families, religious groups in Canada were ready and able to help many of them settle into new lives by sponsoring them. Sister Rose Mary Sander, who is on the Committee for Resettlement, arranged for Canadian SSND Sisters to co-sponsor this family along with St. Raphael Parish.
Immigrating to an unfamiliar country is an unsettling experience, particularly for refugees, who often arrive with little more than the clothes on their backs. The Sisters have been helping the family get on their feet. They have also helped them get acclimated to their new culture, teaching them English and assisting with navigating Canadian bureaucracy to get the family the relocation assistance that is available to them from the government. The Sisters also offered support to Yasmeen throughout her pregnancy with her second son, both emotionally and by helping with babysitting. “They have a bunch of grandmothers,” joked Sister Rose Mary of the boys.
Although sponsors help with the expenses of immigrating, including finding housing, Marvan is looking for work that will support his growing family. The Sisters work with him on learning English, in the hopes that this will improve his job prospects and help the family thrive in their adopted country.
