Six years ago, Zakaria was working as a chef in a tourist resort in Lebanon, sending money to his family in Syria. When they heard of the unrest in Syria, Zakaria applied to the UNHCR for refugee status to save his family. They were told that they would be resettled in Britain, where they knew nobody. He was very worried about what the future would hold.

When Zakaria, his wife and their children arrived in the UK, Refugee Council staff welcomedthem at the airport. And we have supported them every step of the way.

Zakaria said: “The kids found it difficult to adjust, but thanks to Refugee Council, the schoolwas prepared for us. The teachers made sure they didn’t feel different from anybody else.”

Zakaria got a job washing dishes in a restaurant. He was grateful for the opportunity to workand improve his English. His hard work and talent were noticed, and he now runs his ownKurdish Kitchen two nights a month!

Zakaria could never have imagined that this new life was possible. Now his children arehappy in school and he is a self-employed chef.

The future is full of hope for Zakaria and his family. And now, with thousands of refugeesheading to the UK from Afghanistan, we will be there to give them hope for the future too.

Zakaria’s story

Baubles of HopeRead Zakaria’s story and make your bauble of hope for refugees this Christmas.

How to make your baubles

1.Choose a bauble design from one of our templates, or make your own!2.Practice writing ‘hope’ in five different languages.3.Decorate your bauble and add 'hope' in your chosen language.4.Cut it out and tie on some string or ribbon.5.Hang it on your tree to share hope this Christmas.

Words of Hope

Arabic

Pashto

Albanian

Amharic and Tigrigna

French

Used in many countries including Syria and accross the Middle East

Spoken in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Spoken in Ethiopia.

Used in Albania and Kosovo.

Spoken in many countries across Europe and Africa.

Pronounced: Amal

Pronounced: Tesifa

أمل

هیله

ተስፋ

Pronounced: Ha-i-le

Share your message of hope

To share your message of hope, take a picture of your finished bauble and share it onsocial media. Remember to use the #baubleofhope and tag us @RefugeeCouncil so thateveryone can see your design!

Pronounced: Shpresoy

Pronounced: Espwar

shpresoj

espoir

Decorate your chosen template and hang it on your tree - don't forget to write the word 'hope'in one of the languages above.

Top tip: Use an old cereal box to reinforce your bauble!