A New Life in Canada: Solaman Arakani’s Journey from Refugee Camp to Canadian Permanent Residency.

When Solaman Arakani first walked into a Canadian classroom, in London Ontario clutching his school bag and nervously glancing at the rows of desks, it felt like stepping into another world. For the young boy, who was born in a Bangladesh refugee camp on May 17, 2019, the idea of going to school had once seemed like an impossible dream.

“I never thought I would go to school,” Solaman says softly. “In the camp, there were no opportunities. We were refugees. Life was only about surviving.”

Growing Up Without a Country

Solaman’s story begins in the overcrowded refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. His parents, like him, were also born there. For decades, the Rohingya community has lived stateless, caught between persecution in Myanmar and limited freedoms in Bangladesh.

In the camp, daily life was harsh. Families lived in makeshift shelters, children played in narrow alleys lined with bamboo and tarpaulin, and the future always seemed uncertain. Education was a privilege that few children could access.

“Every day felt the same,” recalls Solaman’s father. “We had no citizenship, no rights, and no chance to give our children the life they deserved.”

Solaman Arakani First Day of School.

A Journey of Hope

Then came a moment of extraordinary change. In 2023, the Canadian government, through its refugee resettlement program, selected Solaman’s family for resettlement. It was more than a relocation and it was a lifeline.

“When we heard we were going to Canada, we couldn’t believe it,” his mother says, her voice filled with emotion. “We had lived all our lives as refugees. Suddenly, there was hope.”

Arriving in Canada was overwhelming at first. Snow, unfamiliar languages, and a completely new culture greeted them. But alongside the challenges came kindness. Local Canadian families, volunteers, and settlement workers welcomed the Arakanis, helping them adjust to their new home.

First Day of School

For Solaman, the most life-changing moment was his first day at school. He remembers the smell of new books, the sound of laughter in the hallways, and the warmth of classmates who invited him to play.

Solaiman arakani are going home with his friends, after finishing class.

“In Canada, I had friends for the first time,” he says with a smile. “I could sit in a classroom and learn. I finally felt like I belonged.”

His teachers describe him as curious and hardworking, always eager to participate despite the challenges of learning a new language. “You can see the joy in his eyes,” one teacher shares. “For him, education is not something to take for granted—it’s a gift.”

From Refugee to Permanent Resident

In Canada, the Arakani family was not just given temporary refuge. They were given the chance to become permanent residents,a life-changing step that meant stability, dignity, and a future free of fear.“Becoming permanent residents was like being born again,” says Solaman’s father. “For the first time, we had rights. We were no longer just refugees -we were Canadians in the making.”

With Canadian permanent residency, the family could access education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Most importantly, they could dream about a future where their children grow up not as outsiders, but as full members of society.

Looking Ahead

Today, Solaman is thriving in Canada. He loves reading, playing with his friends, and dreams of one day becoming a teacher. His story is a testament to resilience—and to the power of compassion shown by a country that opened its doors. “Canada gave me a new life,” he says proudly. “Here, I can dream about tomorrow.”

For many, the story of the Arakani family is a reminder of what it means to be human: the courage to survive, the kindness of strangers, and the hope of building a better life when given the chance.

And as Solaman walks to school each morning with his backpack swinging and his future wide open, his journey tells us one simple truth: when given the opportunity, refugees don’t just survive- they thrive.

Growing Up in the Shadows

But life for Solaman’s family was even more dangerous than most. His father was a human rights defender, speaking out against abuses and advocating for the rights of Rohingya refugees. That work came at a high cost.

“Because of my father’s human rights work, we were in a very dangerous situation,” Solaman explains. “We even lived in darkness day after day for three years, hiding and afraid.”

The family endured constant threats, always uncertain if tomorrow would bring safety or tragedy.

Solaiman arakani crosses the traffic signal, while returning home from school.

A Lifeline from Abroad

Then, in a moment that changed everything, a human rights organization called Front Line Defenders referred Solaman’s father’s case to Canada for international protection.

“When we heard that Canada might accept us, we felt a light after years of darkness,” his father remembers. “It was the chance we had prayed for.” In 2023, the Canadian government opened its doors to the Arakani family, resettling them through its refugee protection program. For a family that had lived in fear, it was more than a relocation and it was salvation.

First Day of School

For Solaman, the most unforgettable moment was his first day of school in Canada. He remembers the smell of new books, the chatter of classmates, and the kindness of teachers who welcomed him. “In Canada, I had friends for the first time,” he says with a smile. “I could sit in a classroom and learn. I finally felt like I belonged.”

Teachers describe him as curious and determined. “You can see how much it means to him,” one teacher shares. “He treats education as a gift, because he knows what it’s like to be denied it.”

From Refugee to Permanent Resident

In Canada, the Arakani family was not only given safety but also the chance to become permanent residents. For them, it meant security, dignity, and a future free of fear.

“Becoming permanent residents was like being born again,” says Solaman’s father. “For the first time, we had rights. We were no longer just refugees, we were Canadians in the making.”

A Future of Hope

Today, Solaman is thriving. He loves reading, playing with friends, and dreams of one day becoming a teacher. His parents, once forced to live in darkness, now see their children walking into the light of opportunity. “Canada gave me a new life,” Solaman says proudly. “Here, I can dream about tomorrow.”

His story is not just about survival, but about resilience, courage, and the power of international solidarity. From the shadows of a refugee camp to the security of permanent residency, the Arakani family’s journey is a powerful reminder of what happens when compassion meets courage.

Reported by Faisal Arakani.