My story
I’m Safa and I’m 26 years old. I’m hoping to collect 20,500 CAD by the end of June to find safety and reunite with my brother in Canada. Moving to Calgary with him would mean the world to me. It would mean finding peace and security; finally seeing again the one person who supported me through thick and thin; break out of my fear and isolation; get the opportunity to resume my studies, pursue my love for theater and finally live freely, in a country respectful of woman’s rights!
I was 14 years old, studying secondary school, when I was forced to flee the war in my country, Syria. As we didn’t have much money, with my family, we fled to the closest country, Iraq, in 2013. Sadly, I had to flee again, from my parents this time in 2017. With my brother’s support, it was the only way I had to escape from a forced marriage with an old man.
We went through Turkey and Sudan in search of refuge and eventually ended up in Lebanon in 2018. Despite our hardships, we have always tried to support people in need. In Lebanon, I volunteered with an organization dedicated to peace-making and education, which led us to meet a group of international friends, among which Laurence, George and Xènia. When returning to their households in France, Catalonia and Scotland, they decided to support our search for peace and security. Since then, they have given us support and encouragement throughout the years.
Yet, our situation worsened seamlessly. In 2020 my brother and I had to separate due to increasing threats. I went to Iraq where I’ve been confronted with extreme violence because of my status as a woman. I ended up finding refuge in 2021 in the monastery where I am now, in hiding from a violent man pursuing me. But I cannot stay permanently, nore can I move freely. I’ll need to free the room I’m currently occupying and there is no possibility for me to build a future in this country.
After years of struggle, in 2023, my brother found refuge in Canada, via the Canadian government’s private sponsorship programme for refugees. This is the same avenue I am following, thanks to the invaluable efforts of many people, including his Canadian sponsors who accepted to sponsor me and the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).
Now, the last thing we need is to provide the financial guarantee of 19,100 CAD that is required for my first year of integration. That is why we are launching a campaign to finance this last effort. We need to reach $19,100 CAD + platform fees = $20,500 CAD by end June. Alone we cannot do it. We need your help! This Fundrazr carries all of our hope!
We hope that our call will touch enough people to succeed. I would be eternally grateful if you could donate and/or share around you and on your social media!
