The Pathfinder — Florim

Building a new life often requires help to find the right way, and Florim has dedicated himself to being a pathfinder for those coming to Canada to build those new lives. From Kosovo to a refugee camp and then to Canada, Florim, his wife and two year old son arrived here in 1999 with a desire to be away from war and in a safe place.

“We needed proper clothing, food, medication and a place to live,” says Florim. “We were given that start and it made all the difference.”

Following a flight to Halifax and a short stay in New Brunswick, Florim and his family chose Edmonton, where a match was made by Citizenship and Immigration Canada with a family in Edmonton. It was here that an introduction to Catholic Social Services was made. This, says Florim, was what made the difference for his family, and it was that assistance that gave him inspiration for a new career in his new country.

“The best thing we can do in this world is to help people in need,” he says.

Now a counselor with the Catholic Social Services agency in Edmonton, Florim is doing for others what was done for him.

“The work we do here is crucial for the new immigrant, and a Canadian-born person might think it is fairly simple, but we are providing pathways to things Canadians often take for granted. Help with housing, understanding education, banking, health care, and legal systems and other great services that assist them in their integration – when new Canadians have this kind of help, support and advice they will soon be able to contribute here. That is our goal, and my personal goal.”

Florim became a citizen of Canada in 2004 and another daughter and son have joined the family. The story of his flight from Kosovo is an emotional one, and he focuses instead on what has happened here and the needs of others who make the life-changing decision to emigrate. For instance, Florim’s educational background in Kosovo was agriculture and science, but here he was drawn to a different kind of profession.

“Good help can make all the difference,” he says. “I understand those who come here from other countries because I did it myself.”

Catholic Social Services in Edmonton is one of a number of agencies around Canada dedicated to helping newcomers to Canada in a wide variety of ways, ranging from temporary housing to understanding government.

“These are the pathways people need, and we need more programs to create those pathways,” he says. “If you start on the right path here, the sooner a new life can be created.”

Florim is a pathfinder for newcomers in Canada. Having found his way, he now helps make the way easier for others.

Kosovo

Between March and June 1999, more than 850,000 ethnic Kosovar Albanians fled to neighbouring countries, mainly Macedonia and Albania, creating a need to provide basic relief items and shelter.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) responded to the situation. Together with the International Organization for Migration, the UNHCR assisted in the movement of some 96,000 refugees to third countries on a temporary basis. Canada took in some 7,000, with many Canadians opening their homes, their wallets and their hearts in support of those in exile.