When you ask him about his country, Faisal Alazem describes a place with flying bombs and families forced to flee.
This reality is one he wants to do what he can to fix.
Alazem, 30, is on his way to Syria – heading to a school on the border of Syria and Turkey that offers free education to refugees caught amidst the conflict.
The school, built one year ago, is funded by Syrian-Canadians as a far-away effort to send help from abroad.
“We didn’t forget,” said Alazem. “Whatever we can do, we are here.”
He’s coming to the country bearing aid by way of computers and clothes.
While in Syria, Alazem intends to share his expertise in setting up a security system, and help establish communication channels between the school in Syria and Montreal.
Alazem also hopes to document the positive efforts being made, in hopes of encouraging more support in the future.
“Hopefully we’ll get a wider public than Canadian-Syrians to contribute to this project,” he said. “And, hopefully the government as well.”
Alazem believes that without a political solution to the current conflict, the humanitarian crisis in Syria has no hope of ending.
He doesn’t think Canada is doing enough.
“I haven’t seen any family reunification programs, for example, for Syrians that have loved ones stuck in the middle of the most gruesome war of our times,” Alazem said.
Despite the need for more support, Alazem has hope for Syria. He thinks, for now, the first step is making sure children know they aren’t alone.
