The Taliban killed their parents and upended their lives. Why they say they’re among the ‘lucky’ ones | 24CA News

A handful of medals hold from the wall at Saira Ahmadi’s Toronto-area residence. Academic awards and college paintings are on proud show in the lounge. 

For Ahmadi and her six siblings, these mementos imply greater than good grades and championship video games — they’re proof of onerous work and a renewed sense of hope. 

That’s as a result of final December, after six years of being aside, Ahmadi lastly reunited along with her six siblings, after their mom was killed by the Taliban in 2009 and their father met the identical destiny in 2018. Their 4 uncles and Ahmadi’s husband had been killed as properly.

“We are happy to be together,” stated Ahmadi. “There is no more separation. We are one family, we all care about each other.”

Ahmadi was already dwelling in Canada through the assaults. Following the loss of life of their dad and mom, her siblings, who now vary in age from 13 to 19 years instructed, managed to flee to Tajikistan — however had been alone and with out sources.

After a lot fundraising and much more paperwork, Ahmadi reunited along with her siblings in Canada final 12 months. They’ve spent virtually every single day collectively since. 

“The best part is we are safe, we have peace in Canada and rights. We have access to all our basic necessities,” stated Ahmadi. 

‘New life, new nation’

One of the largest changes the siblings have revamped the previous 12 months is studying a brand new language whereas going again to highschool. The final time they sat in a category room was three years in the past. 

“When I came, I didn’t know how to say, ‘Can I go to the washroom?’ It was very hard for me,” stated the youngest of the siblings, 13-year-old Joshua Mohammadi, his brothers laughing and nodding in settlement.

Despite that, every sibling is discovering their very own path in Canada, exploring the chances of their potential.

“I am a captain of Greenwood’s soccer team,” stated 17-year-old Ali Mohammadi, a smile beaming throughout his face.

Mohammadi proudly recalled how Greenwood Secondary School’s soccer coach requested him quite a few occasions to affix the staff. He lastly gave in and for the primary time in 20 years, the varsity received the championship sport.

As Ali spoke, one of many boys pleaded with 19-year-old Mursal Mohammed to get out her pocket book to indicate off a few of her drawings. 

Mursal is quieter than her brothers. But with a smile on her face, she flipped to a web page with a drawing of a lady sitting with two kids, one youngster underneath every arm. Above it, she wrote: “I love you mom. I will miss you.” 

Despite the security, safety and optimism the kids have felt over the previous 12 months, it hasn’t been simple.

“It is hard because new life, new country,” stated Mursal. 

Making progress 

Depression and anxiousness is one thing the oldest sister, Ahmadi worries about in her siblings. 

“They had nightmares in the first two weeks,” she stated. “It was not easy for them.”

Ahmadi stated the household is working via the trauma they’ve endured. But little by little, she believes they’re making progress. 

“Now I can see on their faces how they are happy, how they get bright, full of happiness on their face.”

Mursal remains to be within the technique of finishing highschool, a possibility she is aware of she wouldn’t get again in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban took over, ladies in Grade 7 and above haven’t been allowed to attend college.

Once she is completed, she wish to grow to be a nurse. 

“I am thinking about my future, it is very good,” stated Mursal.

‘We have one another’

Meanwhile, Ahmadi is at present finding out to be a social service employee at Centennial College whereas working as a resettlement counsellor for different Afghan households. 

It’s a becoming place after painstakingly getting her six siblings to Canada.

Ahmadi can be engaged on sponsoring two of her sisters-in-law with the assistance of some group members. She is hoping they too can be in Canada within the subsequent two months. 

Her concern now’s discovering a option to match extra folks round their eating room desk. There’s barely sufficient room with the seven of them.

That does not trouble Joshua, the youngest, who will get probably the most quantity of phrases in on the desk.

“I think I am lucky with a big family,” he stated, grinning as he seems round. “We are helping each other, we are kind to each other. We have each other.”