Time flies! The Hizan family (Mohamad, Souzan, Aref and Asmaa), originally from Aleppo, arrived in late March and are settling in well. We have found a lovely apartment for them in Georgetown, within walking distance of almost everything they need. They move in May. Thanks to very generous donations in-kind from the Erin (and broader) communities we have almost everything needed for their new place. We are so thankful to Joanne Kay and Don Chambers for providing the family with a wonderful place to stay in Hillsburgh until more permanent housing could be found.

Aref and Asmaa are now settled in school, but will change schools once in Georgetown. Actually Aref will be bussed to Milton, as he’s 17 years old and high school students attend an ESL-enhanced program until they are ready for mainstream classes. Asmaa is 13 years old, and will attend a Georgetown school. Mohamad and Souzan are already attending ESL classes in Georgetown four mornings a week, supplemented with 1:1 ESL sessions provided by Erin Refugee Action volunteers. The whole family is very motivated to improve their English and we’re seeing lots of progress. They are very keen to learn more about Canadian life, and about Canada itself. They so appreciate being sponsored to the Erin area, and want to thank everyone involved for helping to make this possible.

There’s so much to do in the first month–signing up for programs, attending appointments, getting banking accounts and finances organized, setting up the kitchen, etc. We have a great group of people supporting the family, including the steering committee and a vital group of volunteers who drive them as needed. We thank everyone who has and will be involved in helping this family settle into their new country.

As we did with our first sponsored family, we have a “Grow-a-Row” program planned for the summer. Please see the “download” button below and get in touch with Margaret if you’re interested in participating. The Hizans love vegetables and will enjoy the local bounty.