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A thousand Syrian refugees have arrived in Northern Ireland as part of a rescue scheme to help the vulnerable.<\/p>\nA thousand Syrian refugees have arrived in Northern Ireland as part of a rescue scheme to help the vulnerable.<\/p>\n
Head of the Civil Service David Sterling said the efforts of the public, community and voluntary organisations had provided sanctuary, support and the chance of a new life for those fleeing the war-torn region.<\/p>\n
On Thursday morning a further 78 arrived through the Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme, bringing the total since 2015 to 1,010.<\/p>\n
Mr Sterling said: \u201cIt is fitting that during Refugee Week, we welcomed the 1,000th Syrian refugee to the North.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the last three years, organisations and people across the North have played our part in this humanitarian effort and I am proud of everything we have achieved together to welcome these families into our society and offer them a new future.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday we are recognizing the considerable effort which has helped to ensure the transition has been as smooth as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ian Snowden, who leads delivery of the program in the Department for Communities, said it had been a challenging experience but one of the most rewarding projects he had worked on.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cAs a father of two boys, every time I see the mums and dads and their children arrive at the airport I am struck by how frightening it would be to move your entire family to a new country and start again.<\/p>\n
\u201cDespite the challenges they face, the refugee families who have arrived in Northern Ireland have embraced life here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some have gone on to study at university for the careers they wished to pursue but could not in Syria or the surrounding camps.<\/p>\n
Mr Snowden added: \u201cChildren are thriving in schools. We have had sporting success and many examples of how the Syrian culture is enriching the communities in which the families live.<\/p>\n
\u201cNorthern Ireland is providing the families with a bright future and I want to thank everyone who has and will continue to play their part in this scheme.\u201d<\/p>\n