On the worldwide arrivals gate at Calgary Worldwide Airport, Ahmadullah Yaqoobi paced forwards and backwards Friday morning, carrying three bouquets of flowers.
“For one daughter, one other… and that is for my spouse,” he beamed.
He hasn’t seen his household since his sudden departure from Afghanistan about three years in the past.
As a authorities employee, he was one among over 40,000 refugees fleeing violence beneath the Taliban takeover in 2021. His youngest daughter was solely ten days outdated.
“(They) informed me you possibly can deliver your loved ones after three months, 4 months…” stated Yaqoobi. “However I don’t have a selection as a result of Afghanistan, for me, was very troublesome.”
One after the other, 333 refugees stepped by the worldwide gates round 8 a.m. Yaqoobi arrived hours earlier than.
The newcomers had been greeted by Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, providing fast medical help, meals and shelter to the drained vacationers.
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About 40 of the brand new arrivals will keep in Calgary, whereas the remainder transfer on to locations throughout Canada.
“Housing continues to be the primary problem due to the disaster we face in Calgary,” stated Fatima Mansouri, the resettlement assistant program supervisor with CCIS.
“I might say due to the expertise we’ve and the connection we established with some administration firms and landlords through the years, I really feel assured that in a well timed method we will discover lodging for all of the purchasers.”
In honour of Worldwide Ladies’s Day, CCIS can also be handing out flowers for girls and daughters. It’s a suggestion of hope, respect and the promise of a brand new starting in a rustic the place their rights, voices and contributions are valued and celebrated.
“Through the years, any refugee that involves a brand new nation is to make sure security for his or her household,” stated Mansouri. “But additionally, training is the principle purpose for lots of people.”
“In Afghanistan, daughters don’t go to high school,” added Yaqoobi. “Now, my daughter coming right here can go to high school.
“My household is free and might go everyplace. I’m very pleased for that.”
And pleased is probably going an understatement to explain this tearful reunion. Yaqoobi ran to satisfy his spouse and daughters as they exited the gate, for a long-awaited embrace.
His new child daughter is now three. The opposite is six. Each are keen to start out life as a household with a vibrant Canadian future.
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