Ahmed’s story - Christian Action
Ahmed* came to Hong Kong in 2010 from Pakistan* as a minor. When his roommates referred him to the Centre for Refugees (CFR), he was worried that his lack of English skills would hold him back from receiving the help he needed. His worries were dispelled when he realized that the team would be able to admit him to English Classes, accept him on their basketball team, provide 3 meals a day, and even provide transportation money to avail of these opportunities.
His confidence grew over time, and soon he was able to enrol in Delia School. Even though his deadline for government financial assistance with the SFAA had already passed, the Centre for Refugees was able to coordinate with the department and ensure his admission. Even though the financial assistance was delayed by 3 months, the centre was able to fill in this gap. Furthermore, the centre also provided funds for books, uniforms, extracurriculars and transport to the school, without which he would not have been able to attend. He was able to attend school in Hong Kong for 7 years with CFR’s help, after which he successfully graduated.
Soon, Ahmed* got married and had a baby. The Centre for Refugees not only provided classes and activities for his wife but also clothes, diapers, milk and shampoo on a regular basis. In his words, “CFR has also organized activities like trips to Disneyland that has been a boon for my family.”
When his son turned 3 years old, the centre helped admit him into an international school – Woodlands. Though the additional costs to attend the school were expensive, CFR always provided him with assistance. In Ahmed’s* words “I can’t forget [when they helped my son get admission to Woodlands]. To have my child go to such a school made me feel like I have a good life, I don’t feel like I am a refugee but I feel I have a normal life.”
“When I was granted my refugee status, CFR walked me through the process of getting a job.” With a regular salary, bank account and a job at a 5-star international hotel chain, Ahmed* felt proud of his life.
Even after Ahmed* started working and drawing a salary, CFR helped him on a daily basis and during times of emergencies. They helped his wife get an appointment in a private hospital when the public hospital turned her away, provided basic hygiene products to help her stay safe from COVID-19, organized informational workshops about COVID-19 education, and other support. When Ahmed* was suspended from his job at the hotel because of restrictions, he did not start receiving his ISS support. CFR helped support him throughout this time with his food and rent.
CFR helped Ahmed* to live a dignified life in Hong Kong. He had the opportunity to be integrated into the city. He shares,
“CFR change my life. From being a refugee, I went on to feel like a Hong Kong person. Because they gave me work, and I meet local people, I work with them, I made friends with them, we laugh together, now local people trust me, they invite me for dinner, they always support me, I am feeling love for them.”
Ahmed* recently left Hong Kong and was resettled with his family. CFR supported him till the very end, with clothes, suitcase and travel expenses to and from the airport. We wish him the very best in his life to come
*changed for protection
