Eden

Author’s Note: name has been changed for the safety of the individual sharing their experience. Included photo is not of individual referenced in the story.

Eden originated from Eritrea, a small country in the horn of Africa that is under a totalitarian regime. Living with her stepmother, she found herself feeling unsafe in early adulthood due to the lack of freedoms granted to individuals and the potential for harsh repercussions.

In fear for her life, Eden left Eritrea and went to Sudan. There, she worked with a friend selling tea in a stall on the street, which worked for a time to support her. It was also during this time that she had a son. After a few years, the Sudanese government discovered that she lacked papers to live and work in Sudan, so Eden fled to Libya, forced to leave her son with his father as she was unable to bring him with her.

Eden spent three years in a refugee community (kind of like a camp) in Libya before she was admitted to come to Canada. It took seven years from the time she left Eritrea to arrive in Canada.

Since arriving here a few months ago, Eden has felt welcomed and supported by Settlement Services staff, but is hoping that the support can continue longer than one year. In the future, she wants to be able to reunite with her son in Canada, and provide him with a good life.