‘Now we finally feel safe’: Syrian family talk about life in UK two years on from arriving in Birmingham after fleeing war

When the Al Baarini children arrived in Birmingham two years ago they could not speak a word of English – not that you would know it now.

Sitting in their home nestled just off the city’s bustling Soho Road, the trio speak articulately and with vigour about their new life in Britain.

“It was a dream come true when we came here,” says the eldest, 24-year-old Nour.

Six years ago, the family felt their dreams were shattered when war forced them to leave Syria, fleeing their home with most of their possessions left behind.

They had a good life in the city of Homs. Father Abdul was a mechanic and his wife, Sameh, was trained as a nurse. Their three children had aspirations to study at top universities and play sport professionally.

“I had to leave my dream of playing football for my country,“ says Helal, 22, who was playing for Syria’s youth team when the family left for neighbouring Jordan.

There, he struggled to continue playing at the same level. “It was really difficult. I played with a club in Jordan and they liked me, but because I was Syrian I faced discrimination.”

The family remained there for fours years, living in one room for most of the time. Struggling to earn enough to get by, they encountered problems because of their refugee status.

“It was very difficult to leave everything in Syria behind,” says Sameh, 44. “We had to because of the situation there; we were afraid for our children. But life was hard in Jordan because of how people dealt with us.

“When you’re at home you feel free, but when you’re in another country as a refugee it’s very hard.”

In 2015, Abdul received a phone call from the United Nations (UN) saying the family could go to Britain.

“That was day I felt like I got hope that my family and I would feel safe again,” says the 55-year-old, who was hit by a heart attack last year which they think was brought on by stress.

“We didn’t find safety in Jordan. Now, in Birmingham, I can go out at any time and feel safe. I feel at home here.”

The Al Baarinis arrived in January 2016, five of more than 10,000 refugees who have so far been welcomed in the UK through the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS). The Government pledged to take in 20,000 from the war-torn country in 2015.

Sipping on tea in their British home, the family describe the differences they have had to adapt to – the food, the language and even the public transport. But each one of them has, with support from charity Refugee Action, made a conscious effort to fully embrace life in Britain.

“I set myself an aim as soon as we got here to learn English quickly,” says Nour, talking with the fluidity of someone who has been speaking the language for years.

“I studied for 12 hours a day. After five months, I passed the advanced English test and applied for uni. Now I’m studying computer science on a scholarship at Birmingham University.

“I’ve also started my own web development company. Living in Birmingham is like a dream for us. We really like it.”

Mariam, the youngest member of the family at 15, is shyer than her brothers but speaks with enthusiasm about school. Her bedroom displays an array of pictures drawn by her new friends, and various awards she’s received from teachers for academic achievements.

“It was a challenge at first because I spoke no English, so it was hard to make friends,” she explains. “But now I really enjoy school because I’ve started to learn it. My favourite subjects are science and maths and I plan to study architectural engineering at university.”

Helal is now rebuilding his hopes of playing professional football. He was initially unable to sign with Birmingham City because he didn’t have a visa. But now he has the required documents and is set to complete a trial soon.

“The day the UN called my dad and said we could move to the UK, my dream returned,” Helal says, after showcasing his football skills in the family’s back garden. “Now I have a passport and an ID, so I can play professionally. I’m just looking for an agent and to get a trial. I’m so happy to be here.”

Abdul and Sameh smile as they listen to their children talk of their aspirations. “I am proud of my children because they’ve picked up English in seven or eight months,” says Sameh, who herself is currently attending English classes.

Once she is confident enough, she hopes to retrain as a nurse.

“They have motivation. Moving here has given us the motivation to overcome the war in our country. I have high hopes.

“I see my eldest as an engineer again, and my daughter also as an engineer. And I think Helal can become a professional footballer. I hope someone will give him the opportunity to make his dream come true.”

Following his heart attack last year, Abdul has been unable to work.

Still carrying the memories of their escape from Syria and the pain of the ongoing war there, he says: “It’s very hard to see what’s happening in our country on the news. It’s horrible not to be able to do anything. We can just watch.”

Asked about the future, the pain in his face transforms into a look of a grateful smile.

”We are very fortunate,” he says. “It’s like we’d received a big gift. I can’t describe how happy and relieved we were when we came here. It was like we’d escaped something that was really painful. Now I feel integrated here in Birmingham.”

Clutching his heart with his hand, he adds: “After my heart attack, I had some arteries replaced. Now there is something British inside me. I owe something to the UK for giving us another chance. One day, I know my children will give back.”