REFUGEE SPONSORSHIP

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

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In 2016, we Sisters decided to make application to become private sponsors of a Syrian refugee family. On March 7, 2017, the Ismael family arrived at the Charlottetown airport on their daughter Sara’s birthday! Parents are Taleb and Kifah Ismael with their two sons Yazan aged 17 and Daniel aged 6 and their daughter Sara aged 16. Sisters and Associates welcomed them with open arms and open hearts and are grateful for the experience of journeying with them.

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After living in a hotel for three days, they moved into a temporary residence of the Sisters in Corran Ban because of the difficulty to find suitable housing in Charlottetown. Finally in June, 2017 a three bedroom apartment became available on Burns Ave.in Charlottetown. Many Sisters and Associates came together to prepare the house and furnishings for their arrival to their permanent residence.

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Upon completion of Grade Twelve at Colonel Gray High School , Yazan and Sara are now students at UPEI and are doing well. Daniel is presently in Grade Four at Spring Park Elementary. Taleb and Kiki are in Language classes at Holland College these past two years. Taleb has been working part time at Murphy’s Pharmacy .

The Martha Sisters and their Associates continue to visit them and assist them to experience local culture and activities.