The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM) is a non-profit organization proving that volunteering can make a difference in the world.
I recently
met Rima, a 35-year-old Syrian refugee living in Winnipeg. She has been here
for four months and she doesn’t speak English. Rima has six children between
two and 13 years old. The oldest helps to care for his siblings. They all are
starting help Rima with her English. They are energetic and caring children who
are smiling as never according to Rima.
Rima’s
husband is Adnan. He was a doctor back in his country, but because he doesn’t speak
English, he now works as a cleaner at a grocery store.
This family
came from a refugee camp where Syrians are living in inhumane conditions. The
war in Syria has displaced half of the country’s population. An estimate of 11
million people have been killed or forced from their homes. Rima and Adnan’s
family is just one of them.
Rima remembers the wonderful days before the war. She also recalls the horrifying days at the camp. No water, no food, no clothing. These children have left all behind: their toys, their house and their friends.
Rima
doesn’t like to tell her story. It is too painful for her to remember. She
prefers to talk about her children’s future in this city. “They are safe. They
are in school, they have water, fruits and proper clothes. I cannot ask for anything
else,” said Rima.
Our
conversation was translated with the help of a volunteer from IRCOM. Without their help Rima wouldn’t be able to find school, or a place to stay. IRCOM accepts volunteers and donations.
Definitely
the world needs more people helping other people.
