It was a joyful and emotional time as Summerlanders welcomed the Al Sheblaqe family on Sunday evening.
The family of five Syrian refugees are being sponsored by the Summerland Refugee Sponsorship Group, a community organization which was formed in December.
The Al Sheblaqe family are the second refugee family to arrive in Summerland in the past year. In March, 2015, the Summerland United Church sponsored the Albetar family.
Sponsorship is a significant undertaking. The fundraising alone is significant, with an estimated $30,000 needed for the Al Sheblaqe family.
In addition, refugees arriving here need housing, medical care, language training and the help of an interpreter as they adjust to life in a new country and a new culture.
Sponsorship is a one-year commitment, but the transition to Canadian life will likely take much longer than one year.
Language training alone presents a significant challenge, but without the necessary language skills, it is difficult for refugees to find work once the sponsorship period has ended.
Transportation needs also present challenges for the family and the sponsoring organization. This is an important element as health care services and provincial and federal government services often involve travel outside the community.
And in addition to those needs and others, the newcomers will need the ongoing support and acceptance of the community as they cope with the many changes they will experience.
The people of Summerland have shown their willingness to support those who are in need. The community’s generosity has been impressive.
This generosity must continue as refugees adapt to life in a new country and a new culture.
