From Actor to Humanitarian: One Man’s Journey to Making a Difference

By Damilola Kadiri

He remembers the children in the refugee camps running in his direction, screaming his name, kicking up dust with every step.

He thinks about them often, wondering if they still call the camps home or if they’ve moved on.

Raffi Minas—published author, actor, and registered social worker—didn’t imagine his life would turn out the way it did.

But one sunny day in 2012, as he was sitting in a café in his hometown of Aleppo, Syria, there was no denying the truth—his country had descended into civil war.

Raffi with the UNICEF Child Care Protection Team in Aleppo, Syria between 2014-2015

Transforming lives through art, compassion, and action

As a trained actor, Raffi worried about his future. Questioning his next move, he struck up a conversation with a stranger in the café.

“He told me he works for a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) helping displaced children and youth,” Raffi recalls.

“Then he asked me if I’d be willing to come to the refugee camps to put on shows for the children, and I thought ‘Why not?’”

Raffi joined the psychosocial support department at the NGO, and soon became a leader and trainer for new volunteers. He then extended his volunteer work with other organizations, training over 70 volunteers to work with the children and youth. He loved the joy he brought the children, helping them forget, even for a little while, about the reality of their lives.

Raffi (right) leading interactive theatre trainer sessions for adults in Syrian refugee camps

“I saw where the children were living and how, despite that, they were smiling, they were jumping, waiting for the activities, happy,” he says.

As the situation got worse, he had to leave his beloved Syria—now as a refugee himself. He moved to Lebanon, where he continued his work with Iraqi children and adults in refugee camps.

From psychodrama sessions to games, arts, and life-skill-building workshops, Raffi had the opportunity to create joyful memories with his audience despite their difficult situations. It made his life—the life of a refugee—a little bit easier.

Then Canada came calling.

Raffi during Psychodrama sessions with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent in Aleppo, 2015

Motivation for giving back

Since moving to Canada in 2017, Raffi has continued helping people. Soon after arriving, he signed up to volunteer with four organizations, and eventually landed a job with Immigrant Services Calgary, helping other newcomers settle in the city.

When asked what keeps him motivated to give back, he offers three reasons: his inner voice, the supportive working environment at Immigrant Services Calgary, and the clients he serves.

"My inner voice reminds me that I came to Canada as a refugee," he says.

Having been in a vulnerable situation himself, Raffi feels compelled to help others whenever he has the opportunity.

He is happiest when he receives an email from a client sharing the news that they reached an important milestone in their settlement journey, whether that be a new job, an academic achievement, or even passing a language test.

Raffi selected as one of the finalists for the Immigrants of Distinction Awards in 2023

Even the smallest of actions count

Raffi had no idea that one conversation in an Aleppo café would change the trajectory of his life, but it did. And now, he says, there is no going back.

Alluding to the way tiny snowflakes blanket surfaces in winter, Raffi emphasizes that every small action makes a difference.

Whether it’s through volunteering a few hours a week, sharing important information on social media, or helping a neighbour, Raffi suggests you can do something to make another person’s life easier or more comfortable.

As we celebrate World Humanitarian Day 2024 with the theme, "NoMatterWhat: Humanitarians Deliver," Raffi believes every one of us can make a difference.

Support people like Raffi

Last year, ISC supported more than 20,000 newcomers like Raffi and his clients, helping them rebuild their lives in Canada. Please consider donating today to support this important work.

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About the Author

Damilola Kadiri is an international communications professional and author. She currently works as the Communications Lead at Immigrant Services Calgary. Outside work, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, listening to gospel music, and learning new things.

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