Local students create art to welcome Syrian Refugees

 

By Rabiul Biplob

Students from An-Noor Islamic School made postcards and paintings for the Syrian children who have made Windsor their home to welcome them to the community. An-Noor parent council hosted the event Feb. 5.

The postcards soon will be delivered by parent council members to the Canadian Syrian Council.

“We wanted to give the chance to the kids to express their feelings,” said Leen Abu-Rashed, chair of the parent council.

She said it was a good opportunity to explain to their children what is going on in other parts of the world, which is important to understand.

Abu-Rashid also said it took time for her children to understand what Syrian children are going through. They are planning to be part of the welcoming party another organization is having for Syrian refugees.

“It gives the kids the very early age a sense of responsibility towards other people,” said parent Mohamed Hafez. “It is a good exercise for him and learn how to welcome other people, have compassion.”

Hafez said the event will show how Windsor is welcoming.

“This is a parent council initiative as part of the parent council.  We try to do group activities for the children and try to help children to do after school activities,” said Dena Nazer, secretary of the parent council. “This year we are doing that for Syrian refugees.”

She thinks children sending message to childlren, the message becomes stronger, along with the fact that art is always so expressive and it is a universal language.

“We want to let them know that we are a very welcoming community here in Windsor,” said Nazer. “We are a growing community and we always love new people.”