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Ibrahim Family Settling In: Refugee Update

October 10, 2017 October 10, 2017

It’s been a month since the Ibrahim family’s arrival in Canada! They arrived on August 10th. They have started adjusting to life in the City and have settled in their new home (which they love). Here’s a snap shot of what they’ve been up to:

1. Discovering the City: the family has already discovered many Toronto landmarks such as Woodbine Beach, Centre Island, Chinatown and (getting lost on) the TTC. Next up: Niagara Falls (see below)!

2. Language and Education: all members of the family completed language assessments and are enrolled in English as a Second Language classes, except the youngest one Simav, whose English is good enough to allow her to start high school right away (she started last week in grade 9/10 classes).

Ahmed and Mohammed (both age 21), who up until now had been meeting with an English tutor almost daily, are starting with level 1 ESL classes – they need to improve their English before starting adult high school classes to work towards their high school diplomas.

Like the boys, Ms. Ibrahim is attending daily ESL classes. She’s very eager to learn English and has already picked up some words and phrases!

Yasmin (age 22) has very good English language skills but still needs ESL classes to prepare for her high school assessment exam. She plans to take mandatory high school classes and then start a college/university program. She is in the process of researching post secondary programs and hopes to decide in the coming months what she wants to study. Prior to coming to Canada, she had studied 2 years of law in University. Like the boys, Ms. Ibrahim is attending daily ESL classes. She’s very eager to learn English and has already picked up some words and phrases!

Next steps and how you can get involved:

1. Activities: As noted above, the family is getting busy with school and language programs, but they are still eager to discover the city and the region. Here is what is in store for the next month or so:
a. They’re visiting Niagara Falls on September 24th!
b. The boys enjoy playing soccer (and they’re good at it!) so we are planning a soccer game on October 1st.

2. Math Tutor: We are looking for math tutors for Yasmin and Simav. Please let us know if you are able to assist or if you know of someone who can.

3. Employment Opportunities: We have started exploring part time employment options for Ahmed, Mohammed, and Yasmin. They’re all eager to start working! Ahmed and Mohammed are looking for any employment that is flexible (evenings and weekends) and that does not require a high level of English language skills. Yasmin is looking for any part-time job where she can practice her English. If you have any leads on jobs for any of them, please let us know.

4. Winter Clothing: we are looking for new or gently worn fall and winter clothing (women’s sizes small, medium, and large, and boys size medium). If you have suitable donations please let us know.

5. Financial Assistance: We continue to accept donations as the family settles in. If you would like to contribute financial support:
a) by cheque, make it payable to: “LEASIDE UNITED CHURCH” and write on the Memo Line – “Ibrahim Family” and mail to “Leaside United Church, 822 Millwood Road, Toronto, ON, M4G 1W4 OR
b) by website, via “www.leasideunited.org” and the “DONATE” sign, including “Ibrahim Family” in the memo box.