Ghena and Jna’s journey with BC Newcomers began as young sisters navigating life in a new country. Over the years, they’ve grown into confident young leaders, embodying resilience and hope while inspiring those around them. Their story is a testament to the courage of refugee children and the universal dreams and aspirations that unite us all.

Ghena and Jna in their first year at our Summer Camp (August 2019).

The summer of 2019 marked the fourth annual BC Newcomers Summer Camp, a program that had blossomed each year with more children, staff, and volunteers. On the first day of that year’s camp, two young girls walked in, hiding behind their mother, their hands clutching the folds of her dress. They stayed close to her as they sat down at my table. At the time, I was responsible for teaching children whose English was at the basic or foundational level, typically ages 4 to 7. The girls sat beside their mother and introduced themselves to me as best as they could. Their names were Ghena and Jna, sisters who had arrived in Canada from Syria in 2017 through the resettlement initiative for Syrian refugees fleeing the civil war. Ghena was 4, and Jna was 5. That fall, they would take their first steps into the Canadian school system.

Although their English was limited and Arabic was their first language, our shared love for pink and rainbows quickly bridged the linguistic gap and transcended all barriers. Over time, we created our own unique ways to communicate, through drawings, gestures, and the new language we created. Each day brought small but meaningful breakthroughs. By the end of the summer, the sisters could express their feelings, make simple requests, and share their love for Peppa Pig, all in English!

They spoke fondly about their life in Syria, the friends they grew up with, the family they missed, and their vivid memories of home. Even at such a young age, they carried stories of resilience and loss, and yet, they radiated hope.

Year after year, Ghena and Jna returned to our summer camps. In 2020, when our program moved online due to COVID-19, they happily participated and were placed in my cohort of children. Witnessing their growth that year was so incredibly inspiring. When in-person programming resumed in 2021, they were eager to join, meet new friends, and dive into the fun activities they loved.

The girls participating craft-making (July 2021).

Each summer since, the sisters have not only participated in the camp but have also stepped into leadership roles in their own way. They’ve helped younger children feel welcomed and included, led games like hopscotch and musical chairs, and even acted as translators for those just beginning to learn English. I’ve stayed in touch with their mother, who shares how much they look forward to camp each year, the friends they’ve made, and the hobbies they’ve pursued. The baby their mother was expecting in 2019, now four-year-old Aya, will be joining next summer's camp, a heartwarming continuation of their family's journey with us.

Despite having their lives uprooted at such a young age, Ghena and Jna have faced every challenge with resilience and optimism. Their story is a powerful reminder of the courage it takes to rebuild in a new home, to grow up too quickly, and to bear burdens no child should have to face. Their story reminds us that the only difference between us and a refugee child is the privilege of being born in a geographically safe area. These children share the same aspirations, dreams, hopes, and passions as any other, yet they are often denied such privileges.

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Today, as I reflect on their journey, I can’t help but smile at the thought of where their story is heading. Jna and Ghena have grown into remarkable young leaders, and I have no doubt that one day they will return to our camp, not as campers, but as camp leaders themselves. They will guide and inspire the next generation of children, sharing their own story of hope, resilience, and the joy of building a new life in a new home.

The story of Ghena and Jna is just one of the many stories that make BC Newcomers what it is, a place of connection, growth, and endless possibility.