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 welcomed them 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 school was 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 work and improve his English. His hard work and talent were noticed, and he now runs his own Kurdish Kitchen two nights a month! Zakaria could never have imagined that this new life was possible. Now his children are happy 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 refugees heading to the UK from Afghanistan, we will be there to give them hope for the future too. Zakaria’s story Baubles of Hope Read 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.