Syrian: Construction Jobs and Syrian Volunteers

syrian: With the help of instructional videos and a translator, Kevin Perry has started teaching the group of Syrian tradesmen roofing skills, according to CTV. The Syrian volunteers already have experience in a variety of trades and construction jobs in their native country, but since coming to the Maritimes, they've had to learn other techniques. As part of the pilot project, Habitat for Humanity is offering newcomers courses in Canadian building techniques, materials and even helping with language skills. The difference is that in Syria the work is mainly of concrete and cement, but here the buildings are made of wood, so that is a huge difference, says Syrian carpenter Mohamed Amzohbi. So we're actually getting free labour, so we're actually solving a problem for us at Habitat, and solving a challenge for them here to get better integrated in our community, says Perry. With a need for more affordable housing in Saint John, Habitat for Humanity plans to build housing units in the city with help from the volunteers. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.