OUR REFUGE. OUR HOME
Before Refugee Week Scotland, we speak to those who have fled from terror to find a safe haven
New home, new friends and new accents three years on from fleeing war-torn Syria
Rana Alzin isn’t much like the typical image of a refugee.
Since arriving here from war-torn Syria, Rana, her husband and two young children have built a new life for themselves as a family with a bright future in Scotland.
It’s been a long journey since the family set foot in Hamilton as the first Arabic refugee family. “When we came here neither my husband Sameh or I spoke much English,” she explained. “There was no community for us here. But after a few weeks we began to make friends. The people here are so friendly.
“We started to talk with our neighbour, and he was very helpful. We didn’t speak much English but he took time to speak with us and make us feel welcome.
“Frank is one of our good friends now and I make him food sometimes. If we need help with something, he is there to speak with us.”
Rana’s daughter Sara, 10 and son Feras, nine, are settling into school and have developed strong Scottish accents.
“It’s only been three years but they are very Scottish now,” she laughed. “We recently went to London on holiday and we wanted a family picture.
“Sara asked a lady passing by if she could take a photograph. The lady was delighted.
“She was originally from Glasgow but had lost her accent.
“She was so happy to hear Sara’s Scottish accent. It was so funny!” Rana has an economics degree, but last week completed her first year of a business studies course, while her husband has started his own Arabic ice cream company.
“It was difficult for Sameh,” explained Rana.
“In Syria, he was in charge of a marble factory, with many people working for him. It was a public company, and it was an important role.
“When he came here, he was unemployed and didn’t speak any English. It was a struggle but it was better than where we were.
“Now he feels better, and he is supplying a few companies with the food he makes.
“Back home, things got very bad and we had to leave. But I don’t want to focus on that. I want to focus on the future now. “My husband likes Scotland, and so do I. I love every day I’m here. Every day, I thank my god every day that we are here.”
‘ My husband likes Scotland and so do I...I love every day I’m here