Fatma Ibrahim is one of the many students across Ottawa’s schools whose first language is Arabic.
But that hasn't stopped this Grade 11 student from excelling. She recently scored a 90 per cent in math and is doing well in all of her other courses, including English. Fatma is one of the almost 2,000 Syrian refugees who came to Ottawa in early 2016.
She remembers the day the family arrived in Ottawa. “The Catholic Centre for Immigrants really helped us with a lot of things. They also helped me find a good school in the St Laurent area. I am so happy and grateful for the great job they did to help us.”
With CCI's help, Fatma and her family found a wonderful apartment. “The place is so convenient. We have the St. Laurent mall near us and we are surrounded by shops. My father is so happy we found a good place like this one.”
Fatma wants to be a doctor and plans to work with people living in poverty.
“Thank you Canada, you have helped me and more other people to make Canada our new home,” says Fatma.