Hoping for a better life

It's been a hectic but very pleasant few days for Bassel Alkosani.

The 25-year-old Syrian man came to Sault Ste. Marie from a refugee camp in Lebanon a week ago and is now studying computer science at Algoma University.

Alkosani has been admitted to university through the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program.

In September, Algoma University announced it would accept a Syrian student refugee to begin studies at the campus in January.

"I hope I can have a better future over here in Canada," Alkosani told reporters at Algoma University Tuesday.

Alkosani finished his university degree in English literature in Syria and wished to continue his studies in his homeland, but was prevented from doing so because of the Syrian crisis.

He left Syria to avoid being swept up in warring factions in the country's civil war.

"I cannot continue my studies in Syria because of the crisis and there are so many checkpoints on the roads."

Alkosani first left Syria two years ago for Lebanon, where he stayed in a refugee camp for two months.

He then moved to a nearby apartment and taught the basics of the English language to students in the camp before he was told he would be getting the chance to come to Canada.  

"We tried to do something for the children in the camp, to help them learn the basics," Alkosani said.

"I'm very sad and sorry for the children I left behind in the refugee camp and I hope they will have a better future." 

It is now almost impossible to get out of his native country and get to neighbouring countries, Alkosani said, as neighbouring countries Lebanon and Jordan have closed their borders to war-torn Syria.

"You cannot imagine, there is nowhere safe in Syria," Alkosani said.  

Alkosani's parents, along with his younger siblings (three brothers, two sisters) are still in Syria.

"They are proud of me to be here in Canada to continue my studies…but they are in a dangerous situation, there is nowhere safe for them," Alkosani said, adding it is difficult to contact his family by phone or through the internet.

He said he keeps up with the news to know what is going on in his native country and is naturally concerned for his family's safety.

Alkosani said he wants to stay in Canada and wants to bring his family to this country. 

Alkosani said he has received a warm welcome at Algoma University, where he currently lives in residence.

"I thought I would be sitting in my room alone but there are so many friends around me," said Alkosani, who received a journal signed by Algoma students welcoming him to the university and offering help. 

"People say 'you are Bassel, we were waiting to meet you.'"

"You have no time to sit by yourself and remember the bad things that have happened to you."

"It's a very nice culture and an open culture (in Canada)," Alkosani said.

"I like the friendly people, the lovely people here…anywhere I go there is someone who asks 'do you need some help, do you need something?'"

Alkosani said he is slowly getting used to our colder Canadian climate.

"We went sleigh riding, a wonderful experience, it was a huge amount of snow for me, but some of you call this winter warm," he said to reporters with a smile.

As a student refugee, WUSC pays for Alkosani's food, clothing, accommodation and tuition during the first year of his university studies in Canada.

After that, he is eligible to apply for regular financial aid thousands of other students in Canada apply for annually.