Refugees coming to P.E.I. focus of francophone information sessions

A group of Francophone organizations is hosting information sessions in January about the Syrian refugees who have already come or will soon arrive in P.E.I.

Speakers will talk about the situation in war-torn Syria, and explain why so many people are seeking refuge in Canada.

Professionals who can help Islanders sponsor families will also be on hand.

Most of the presentations will in French, to make sure Francophone Islanders get a good understanding of the refugees' situation, said Jacinthe Lemire, head of the Cooperative d'Intgration Francophone.

"The situation that they lived when they were in refugee camps, for example. Also the ways they will be able to enhance our communities, to benefit our economy, and then to fulfill our communities."

Lemire said some Syrian refugees may speak French as a second language, not English and the Francophone community will be there to help them when they arrive.