Syrian student ready to share story of journey to Canada with UN

BaselAlrashdanis preparing to share the story of his family's journey from Syria when he speaks at the United Nations in New York on Universal Children's Day on Nov. 20.

The 12-year-old Charlottetown resident came to P.E.I. with his family in December2015.

Alrashdantold CBC News: Compass he was six years old when he left Syria and listed a few areas he lived in but had to leave because they weren't safe.

"Wemoved to Jordan and lived there for two years and eight months and then there were some people who called us and asked us if we wanted to go to Canada."

Adjusted to Canada

Alrashdansaid after thinking about it the family agreed and a month later they were on their way.

The P.E.I. Newcomers Association were contacted by UNICEF for someone to speak and executive directorCraig Mackie said they suggestedAlrashdanwould do a great job telling the story of how he and his family have adjusted.

"He won an award at the heritage fair last year for telling this very story," said Mackie.

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Theexecutive director said the crew from UNICEF visiting the Island to make a documentary were so impressed withAlrashdanand his ability to describe his journey from Syria, as well ashis enthusiasm for Canada, that they invited him to speak at the UN.

"I'm really nervous and I'm pretty excited," saidAlrashdan.

When asked to describe a typical day for himself at school, the Grade 7 student said, "It's just awesome. It's perfect. People aren't racist."

"We live here and it's safe."

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