Welcoming hosts ease culture shock

By RENATO GANDIA
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

The 28-year-old immigrated to Edmonton from Afghanistan with his family 18 months ago when the situation in his homeland became too unstable.

He worked as a licensed engineer there but cannot practice his profession here. Still, he is thankful he is able to work and study at the same time.

Ali is in the Alberta apprenticeship program, and is one exam away from a journeyman's certificate while working for Quebecor printing company.

So much is different in this new country, especially the culture and weather.

"It takes time to adjust. But when I'm faced with some difficulty I ask John or Mary for help."

Ali met John and Mary Ellen Herman through Catholic Social Services' Host Program.

This program matches new immigrants with Canadian families who help them resettle and adjust to their new environment.

"They helped me a great deal, especially during the wedding of my one of my brothers," Ali said.

The Hermans are both retired. When they learned about the program more than a year ago, they immediately signed up and volunteered. They were matched up with the Akbaris.

"It really appealed to us to get involved," Mary Ellen said.

As a host family, they have had several meals with the Akbaris. They also took them around Edmonton and invited them to their cottage outside the city.

Through this interaction, both families learned from each other.

"They're part of our family and we're part of their family." - John Herman

The big thing for John is knowing that "the Akbaris are good people.

"Even though we've got different religions, we belong to the same (human) family. There is not a whole bunch of difference between the two of us. They're part of our family and we're part of their family."

Both families agree, "there's only one God," said John.

Ali's parents, Sakhi and Halima are still going through the language hurdle. Neither spoke English when they came to Canada.

"But they go to school and they are learning," said the soft-spoken Ali.

Ali's only sister is married and still in Afghanistan along with their two uncles and their children.

Family is important to them, but they had to leave Afghanistan because their life there was uncertain.

"Canada is a peace-loving country. I see a bright future for me and my family in Canada," Ali said.

"My hope is that we settle more in Canada and get a more comfortable life: My younger brothers to get a better education."

While learning English, Halima is volunteering in an Afghani mini-school in the city.

Halima, who worked as a midwife aide in an Afghanistan, said with her son acting as interpreter, "I am happy with my life in Canada. I'm hoping for the best. I want to learn more English."

Sakhi, an operating room technician in his homeland, says he is thankful they met the Hermans.

Both John and Mary Ellen have no greater hope for their new friends than that they settle in Canada and become adjusted to their new life.

"I hope that at some point they would be able to move from their little townhouse because they're used to living in great big homes with big yards," added Mary Ellen.

Rena Chiovelli, coordinator of the Host Program, told the WCR the agency needs more volunteer families so it can meet the demands from the community.

To volunteer, visit www.catholicsocialservices.ab.ca, or call (780) 424-3545.

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