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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, June 9, 2016 | 36 Child refugees from Syria get free swimming lessons by Ruth Adair Special to the Beaver Having witnessed the Syrian refugee plight firsthand while visiting Greece last year, Oakville swim school owner and water safety advocate Janet Barber launched an eight-week, free learnto-swim program for Syrian refugee families in the community. Barber's first `Swim for Syria' lessons took place April 10, when 17 participants arrived at Appleby College, ready to make a splash and learn a lifelong skill. Barber, director of the registered Red Cross and Lifesaving program Janet Barber Aquatics, believes the positive effects of swimming lessons extend beyond the pool environment, helping children develop an essential life skill while building confidence. "Getting exercise, having fun, and learning how to save lives can foster self-esteem," said Barber, who was looking for a way to help that would incorporate her passion for water safety, especially given the thousands of Syrian migrants and refugees who have drowned at sea while fleeing conflict in their country. "My hope is that the confidence these children develop here will carry over into everyday life in Canada, at school and at play," she says. Well aware that refugee children are acclimatizing to a variety of unfamiliar customs and practices in their new country, Barber and her instructors attended a cultural sensitivity Young Oakville newcomers from Syria, took advantage of free swimming lessons offered by a local woman who earlier this year witnessed people overcrowding boats, and one child drowning, as they fled Syria. Pictured, from left, are: Sabah Al Sekran, Nour Al Sekran, and Aisha Al Sekran. | submitted photo workshop prior to the program's launch. "It's been an eye-opening experience," she says. However, with the support of Appleby College, which provided pool facilities for the lessons, Barber and her team have made some adaptations to the environment to ensure all would-be swimmers could participate. Barber's enthusiasm for this initiative is shared by her team of more than 20 instructors. "I wanted to help in any way possible, and I think this is a great learning experience for all of us," said instructor Emily LaForge. "We had one boy come in as a non-swimmer, and in 30 minutes he was swimming. I'm enjoying my students and they're all enjoying the water," said her brother and fellow instructor, Kyle LaForge. Participants themselves are grateful and keen to learn. Through an interpreter, one new Door Crasher GAS N' GO Trimmer Kit $ Part #96010000098 $32.95 MSRP 1995 ONLY Save $13 TAKE BACK NEW FOR ! 2016 YOUR YARD CASH IN AND SAVE WITH INSTANT REBATES ON THESE TOP SELLING MODELS GT-225 SF $ 21.2 cc Curved Shaft Trimmer w/ Speed Feed Head GT-225 $ 1 8995 AFTER INSTANT REBATE 21.2 cc Curved Shaft Trimmer PB-250LN 25.4cc Handheld Blower SAVINGS $30 $219.95 MSRP AFTER INSTANT SAVINGS REBATE $209.95 MSRP 17995 $ $30 18995 FREE Gift $ 10 Card Canadian said, "This is an incredible opportunity. It's not just a chance to learn a sport, but to gain one of the most important skills we could possibly learn, and for that we are so thankful." The session wrapped up June 5, but plans are in the works for another in the fall. Barber's philanthropic efforts extend beyond the pool. She also kickstarted a `Welcome to Canada' shoebox campaign, providing refugee families with a box of essential items, including toiletries, socks, pens and notepads. And her `Back to Learning' campaign offered 200 backpacks filled with school supplies, an easyto-read book, and a small stuffed animal. "I'm grateful to the Oakville community for pulling together and supporting these efforts," Barber said. "The Home Depot at Trafalgar Village donated 200 plastic shoeboxes, while Wow Powerwalking donated 50 full shoeboxes, and Salus donated a number of life jackets. There have also been so many individuals who have rolled up their sleeves to get involved, including students on our staff who took the backpack and shoebox projects to their own high schools, holding fundraisers and setting up donation bins," adds Barber, who remains committed to helping Oakville's newest citizens make a smooth, safe transition to life in Canada. To learn more about Swim for Syria, contact jb.aquatics@cogeco.ca. To read Barber's own experience witnessing Syrian refugees while visiting Turkey and Greece, visit insidehalton/oakville-on. 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