Article content continued

“It was OK,” Ahmad said of living in the mountains. “There was no fighting there.”

He said it was hard to leave his family, but he’s excited about starting his future as a U of R student.

Ashley Moran, a fourth-year university student and WUSC-Regina member, was one of those who came with signs and Canadian flags to welcome Ahmad to Regina.

“We try to make it a big event because it’s really scary, especially since he’s coming alone and not with other students. We try to be as welcoming as possible and it’s a really fun time for everybody,” she said.

“Just imagine going to some place that you have no idea what it’s going to be like and what’s waiting for you there. All of these people have left their families behind, they don’t know when they’ll ever be able to go back. We try to be their family here.”

While Ahmad is the first student from Syria, he’s the fourth refugee to receive university and WUSC funding this year. Moran said his arrival is a direct result of the financial commitment made by U of R president Vianne Timmons.

The WUSC Student Refugee Program is the only one of its kind in the world. Canadian post-secondary education institutions have sponsored more than 1,500 refugees who have settled in the country, completed post-secondary studies and become Canadian citizens.

Money — $20,000 — is given to a refugee student in his or her first year to help cover the cost of tuition, books and housing. They would receive $1,000 for each subsequent year they’re enrolled at a post-secondary institution.

Jack Boan, U of R professor emeritus and longtime supporter of refugees, was also at the airport to welcome Ahmad. In 1980, Boan started the U of R Group for Refugees, which has helped 65 refugees get an education at the university.

“It’s really thrilling. When you’re 98, you don’t know whether you’re going to make it to the airport or not,” Boan said.

“It means a lot to give somebody a chance that they wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

adavis@postmedia.com

twitter.com/theaustinx