Robina Sharifi
- Duration
- 2:25 (minutes:seconds)
Biography
Robina Sharifi is an Afghan who came to Canada two decades ago from Pakistan, where she had moved from her homeland. She has worked professionally as a social worker and counselor apart from her active role in the expatriate life of Afghan people in Toronto, helping them to settle in or cope with the stress of new immigrant life.
Summary
Robina Sharifi came to Montreal from Afghanistan in 1988. Her brother came to pick her up from the airport. She had a wonderful first impression of Canada: it was Christmas time. As she drove home, she was impressed by the Christmas lights and the beautiful snow. She was a little surprised when her brother took her to a small apartment — she was expecting a big house! At first she was a ‘like blind person,’ following her family around, knowing nothing about Canada. Robina had knowledge of English, but life was difficult due to not knowing French (as she was in Montreal).