Afghan refugees in Calgary mark year since Kabul fell to Taliban

Omid Mansoor Sahim and his wife fled Afghanistan last year and quickly marked two major milestones.

The first was arriving in Canada, with Calgary as their chosen destination. 

The second was welcoming a new baby shortly after arriving in the city.  

"It's my Calgarian baby," he said. 

This week marks one year since Kabul fell into Taliban control when American and allied troops (including Canada) withdrew from Afghanistan. It's also the anniversary of many families arriving in Calgary after escaping Kabul.

Canada has promised to accept 40,000 Afghan refugees, like the Mansoor Sahim family. More than 3,000 have settled in Calgary in the past year. 

The transition hasn't been easy for Sheila Qayumi. 

"I left all my achievements, my family, my civilians, my loved ones, everything behind. I came to Canada. Absurd. I felt like a dead body," the women's rights activist said.

But approaching the year mark of her arrival in Canada, she says she's leaning into new projects in Calgary. Qayumi volunteers with several women's organizations and community groups and is working as a case manager for immigration services in the city. She is also helping more Afghan families adjust to life in Calgary as they arrive. 

"Now I feel that during one year, I have lots of achievements," she said. 

"It's a message for all newcomers. Don't feel like you are nothing. You can start again. You can be in a position that you were before. Just don't give up and go ahead." 

Both Qayumi and Mansoor Sahim say they're grateful to have a safe place to live, but the adjustment has been difficult. 

Mansoor Sahim, his wife and four children are taking English classes and attending school. He's enrolled in a plumbing and construction course, working six days a week and offering translation services. 

"I am new here, but I have to plan. I have to just work hard," he said. 

"You're new in the new community and new culture and new people around you and you have to set up your life."

To date, the federal government says 17,300 Afghan refugees have arrived, with more on the way. However, it recently stopped accepting new applications to that special immigration program. 

Despite optimism about their opportunities in Calgary, both Qayumi and Mansoor Sahim say there are pervasive issues with helping refugees settle in the city. 

Language barriers, access to training and getting employment are three of the biggest challenges they identified — plus the strain of ongoing threats back home. Both still have family and friends in Afghanistan who are targeted by the Taliban because of their work with the Canadian government. 

The employment piece of resettlement is becoming a preoccupation for many, as government financial aid for refugees typically ends after one year. 

"The journey is well on its way. We know that there's going to be people who are going to continue to come," said Bindu Narula, the director of resettlement and integration services at the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society.

She noted that as long as Afghanistan is threatened by the Taliban, these families will be dealing with that stress. 

"Hopefully things from [that] standpoint improve so that some of these families that are here and trying to focus on their new lives here in Canada can actually let go a little bit," she said.  

"Unfortunately, till now, we're not seeing that improvement. But that's my wish for the future for these families."