National Adult Literacy Database

January 20, 2003

The following story was written by a student from Fort Erie, Ontario. Fawzi Jasim is originally from Bahrain and came to Canada in May 1997. He came here hoping to further his education. He loves to volunteer in the community and has won awards for doing this. He feels helping others helps him to have a good life. He is also a very good chef and loves to cook for the class and for different multicultural events he attends. He appreciates this community and is committed to give back to the best of his ability. His goal for the future is to write a book for refugees and multiculturalism and to use his talents to better the community.

Canadian Culture Through the Eyes of Refugees

by Fawzi Jasim

My name is Fawzi Jasim. I am a student with the adult literacy program in Greater Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada.

I was born and raised in Bahrain from the Middle East, Persian Gulf. I came to Canada on May 17, 1997. The reasons I came to Canada were because Canada offered freedom of personal life styles, democracy and gender equality. I also wanted to have the liberation to finish my education and openly worship God and practice my faith of Christianity.

In my country of Bahrain women are not allowed to hold government positions because they are not considered equal with men. There are also limitations on the subjects or careers you can work towards because the education system and the government go hand in hand. Christianity could not be exercised openly in my country of Bahrain, you had to publicly worship Ali, practice the Muslim faith and follow the law of Islam.

I've written this booklet for refugees and those immigrating to Canada to enhance their understanding of the Canadian lifestyles.

Many immigrants from all over the world now come to Canada to try and develop a new lifestyle. The immigrants come to this native land of Canada to find prosperity and freedom, which then provides peace and satisfaction in their lives.