The Syria Response and Refugee Initiative is set to begin next Monday, which will showcase different initiatives York is taking to help refugees start a new chapter in their life, while highlighting the positive impact students can have in relation to the tragic events happening in Syria and abroad.
“The best way to learn about the refugees is to work with them,” says John Carlaw, graduate research fellow at the Centre for Refugee Studies.
The event starts on January 18, in room 519 of Kaneff Tower, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Carlaw, who is the project lead, is working alongside Osgoode Dean Lorne Sossin, who is the university lead on the response to the global refugee crisis.
A student senator is sponsoring a family of Syrian refugees, one of many in the York community who are working to bring aid to the Syrian people.
York partnered with several universities on the Lifeline Syria Challenge, a program aimed to support Syrian refugees for a year in an effort to help fleeing families.
York, along with its partners, aimed to raise $27,000 by January 5.
“Funds allow immigrants to find jobs, as well as cover other expenses,” says Dalubuhle Ndlovu, student senator who is helping support the campaign.
York has multiple groups working to raise funds for multiple families. Ndlovu, part of the group Refugees Welcome, is happy to say they’ve raised over $42,000.
“Fundraising continues to move along nicely thanks to the support from members of the York community and friends, especially the terrific work that Kathy and Kalina [of Refugees Welcome] have been doing,” he says.
The government meets the needs of immigrants by matching funds raised by sponsors, if the members of the family reach more than four. That amount is increased if there is a disability in the family.
“The migration of immigrants due to violence and fears of persecution is not a new phenomenon,” says Ndlovu.
“Our group is in contact with the family we are sponsoring, who were due to arrive at the end of the year,” he says.
“However, we are still waiting for Citizenship and Immigration Canada to complete their paperwork and admit the family.”
Ndlovu is working with different parts of the university to prepare for Refugee Awareness Week, coming the second week of February.
“We hope to be able to ignite dialogue and action on refugees, [along with issues regarding] forced migration and displacement of people around the world,” he says.
Humaima Ashfaque, Contributor
Marco Gobbatto, Contributor
Featured image courtesy of Getty Images
