After Ali, a Syrian refugee, settled in Turkey, his rented home burnt down in an electrical fire. With support from the community and IOM, his landlord rebuilt the home and offered Ali and his family a safe place to stay.

A few years ago, Raad came from Syria to create a new business in Turkey. Starting with a few dollars a day, the hairdresser went on to grow his business with eight trainees and continues to help others broaden their skills.

Manock has found basketball to be powerful way to bring people together in a positive space free of judgement and discrimination.

Anu and Abhi trained as chefs in India. They are using their culinary skills to provide hot meals for people in need. They emphasise how food is fundamental to facilitate cultural exchange and build a warm and supportive community. 

Gwen is giving back to a community that helped her at a time of great need when she arrived in Canada from Gabon.

Reza is a virus researcher for COVID-19 and cancer at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.

“Before, I had a negative perception about France, however, our arrival in Martigne-Ferchaud was very heart warming as the Mayor of the city received well.”

“I came here ready…ready to treat patients in France, to set an example, just as many other foreign doctors already do in France.”

“Life can go on when there’s hope. Hope brings life, always. In peace people can build everything.”