By Guangke Dai, Communications Officer (Afghan Refugee Sponsorship Program)
Since September 2021, MOSAIC’s Afghan Response Initiative (ARI) has been a beacon of hope for Afghan refugees seeking safety and a fresh start in Metro Vancouver. With unwavering dedication, the initiative has helped over 349 newcomers transition to their new home through refugee sponsorship and resettlement support, offering essential aid for housing, employment, education, and social integration. Of these, 177 individuals have successfully completed their first year of settlement, while 172 are currently navigating their first year with the guidance of MOSAIC’s dedicated team.
While numbers illustrate impact, it is the personal stories of perseverance that truly bring this initiative to life. Below, we share three perspectives—two from former refugees and one from a co-sponsor—each reflecting the profound difference this program has made.
Fraidon: A miracle realized
For Fraidon, the journey from being an undocumented refugee to a Canadian resident was unimaginable. Living in limbo without official documentation, he struggled with uncertainty and fear. But with the ARI team’s guidance throughout the refugee sponsorship process, his dream became reality.
“MOSAIC was there from the beginning—submitting my application, answering my questions, helping with everything,” he recalls. “I did not believe I would be in Canada in just one year. It felt like a miracle.”
Now, Fraidon and his family are thriving. His wife is learning English through MOSAIC’s free LINC classes, while their children are taken care of by the child-minding services at the language centre. With the resources provided from the ARI team, they’ve also found access to healthcare and essential social services, ensuring a strong foundation for their future. Most importantly, Fraidon has newfound security. “Here, I can walk in the park at midnight, drive early in the morning—there is no fear. That’s something I never had before.”
Looking ahead, he has ambitious goals. “I want to graduate from grade 12 in LINC and pursue a diploma at BCIT. My biggest dream is for my kids to go to university, build successful careers, and contribute to this country that saved us.”
To those still waiting for a chance, he offers a message of encouragement: “Keep hope. If you can save one life, one child, they will always be grateful. Canada is my home now, and I will do my best to give back.”
Ahmed Shah: Looking to serve new home
For Ahmed Shah and his family, moving from Pakistan to Canada was nothing short of life-changing. “It was the best experience of my life,” he shares. “It was so beautiful for me, for my wife, and my kids, and it’s a very big change in our lives.”
During the transition, support was there when they needed it most. With guidance on job opportunities and school enrollment for his children, Ahmed was able to build a solid foundation for his family’s future.“I found a job for myself, and I found a job for my wife. My kids are comfortable with their studies at school. Everything is okay now.”
Grateful for the opportunity, Ahmed is eager to give back. “I’m looking to serve Canada—to contribute to society and be of service to this country.”
Qamar: Witnessing change
Qamar knows firsthand the hardships of displacement—she was once a refugee herself. When the opportunity arose to co-sponsor her brother and his family, she didn’t hesitate. “They are my family. They were in the same situation I was once in, and I wanted to give them a safe place to call home.”
The refugee sponsorship journey, however, was not without challenges. From navigating complex paperwork to securing housing, the path to resettlement was filled with obstacles. Landlords were reluctant to rent to newcomers without employment history or pay stubs. After applying for over 100 units, she finally secured housing through a personal connection, though it came at a high cost. Employment was another obstacle, with her brother struggling to find stable work despite his efforts. Eventually, he landed a permanent job, a moment of immense relief and joy for the entire family.
Despite the difficulties, the most rewarding moment for Qamar was the day her brother’s family arrived in Canada. “They were scheduled to land at 8:30 AM, but I was at the airport by 6. With all the immigration procedures, they came out at 12 PM, and I could not sit still for six hours—I was too excited.”
The change in her family’s outlook has been profound. “My brother is now very hopeful that his kids will get good education and will be able to work here, especially for the three daughters. In Afghanistan, there’s no education opportunities for girls.”
A future built on hope
The Afghan Response Initiative is more than a refugee sponsorship and resettlement program—it is a lifeline, a fresh start, and a testament to the power of community. Through the dedication of the ARI team and the generosity of co-sponsors like Qamar, hundreds of Afghan refugees like Fraidon and Ahmed Shah now have the opportunity to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.
As we celebrate these milestones, we must also remember that the journey is far from over. Although registration for the ARI program has closed, 324 applications are still awaiting approval, and many families continue to navigate the challenges of integration. Their journeys remind us of the perseverance it takes to start over and the support needed to make resettlement a success.
Thank you to all who have contributed to this initiative—your support is transforming lives, one story at a time.
