Success story

In 2017 Pembrokeshire became one of the very first places in the UK to settle Syrian refugee families in local communities, to equip them to cope with new lives and to support them for two years while they did so, under a government-backed sponsorship scheme.

Over the past seven years most of the families are still here, children have grown up (and in some cases become trilingual as they have learnt English and Welsh at school),  employment, training and business development have gradually enabled the adults to become self-supporting and take control of their lives,  driving tests have been passed, friendship networks have been established and roots have been put down.

Mr Batra, blipped here* five years ago, started selling Syrian snacks made by his family off a tabletop at local markets. He still does this and we rely on him for dates and olives at our own weekly market. But twenty miles away over the border in the next county, the imposing old market hall in Cardigan has recently re-opened following major refurbishment and Mr Batra now has a splendid stall - more an Aladdin's cave  really - stuffed with Middle Eastern specialities,  both freshly-made goodies and store-cupboard items in tins, jars, packets: beans, dried fruit, teas, oils, confectionery...  Shelves, lighting, refrigerated cabinet, it's all brand-new and very impressive.

It has to be said that Mr B's English hasn't improved much and  he still just tells us everything is 'very good' when we ask about it but that's OK because it really is very good to see him doing so well for himself and his family, as well as expanding the gastronomic choices of West Wales.

* I was surprised and pleased to find that I had this image. Thank you Blipfoto! Clicking on the 'community sponsorship' tag will bring up many more blips I made during the process.