23 Jun MEET NUHAA

Moving to Canada was a difficult adjustment for Nuhaa.

An after-school program funded by United Way helped her feel more comfortable.

In her own words…

I was born in Syria, but when I was four, my family had to leave because it was too dangerous there. So we went to Jordan. I liked it there because my grandparents and aunts and uncles would spend summers with us. When I was eight, we moved to Canada because my parents thought we could have a better life here.

Coming to Canada was not good and not bad. I was excited about meeting other people, but I missed my family and I was scared of going to school because I was shy. I was afraid nobody would want to play with me or be my friend because I didn’t speak English.

Our neighbour told my mom about a United Way after-school program where I could get help with homework and do activities. I was so excited to go there! I have fun, and all the new people I meet are really nice, like my friend Reema. I love her because she’s kind. My favourite part of this program is when we have circle time. That’s when we can play a game, draw or colour. We have a lot of fun together, and now I feel less shy. I’m happy that I get to go to this after-school program.

I feel more comfortable in Canada now. I can speak English, and I’m more confident. I even got to be part of a student art exhibition at the art gallery in my city.

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United Way Simcoe Muskoka makes research-driven funding decisions that empower local residents of all ages to leap over barriers and bridge the gaps so they have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Your generosity fuels poverty-reduction programs here in Simcoe Muskoka.

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