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Escaped war, lived as a refugee, then found a new life in Canada: 'My parents taught me the meaning of effort'
🇦🇷 Argentina /Disasters & Emergencies

Escaped war, lived as a refugee, then found a new life in Canada: 'My parents taught me the meaning of effort'

From La Nación · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Alphonso Davies, now a star footballer, was born in a refugee camp in Ghana to Liberian parents fleeing civil war.
  • His family endured extreme hardship in the camp before being resettled in Canada when he was five.
  • Davies recalls his parents' relief upon learning of their move to Canada, a moment that offered safety and a new beginning.

Alphonso Davies' journey from a Ghanaian refugee camp to international football stardom is a testament to his family's resilience and the hope for a better life.

Born in Buduburam, a refugee camp in Ghana, Davies' early years were marked by scarcity and the constant struggle for survival. His parents, who had fled the brutal civil war in Liberia, faced dire conditions, including a lack of clean water and food. "My parents told me there was a war in Liberia. In that situation, there were only two options: be part of the war or leave. My parents had no intention of taking up arms. I'm happy they decided we should leave," Davies recalled.

Amidst the privations of the camp, a pivotal moment of relief arrived when his parents received news of their resettlement in Canada. Davies vividly remembers the transformation from chronic anguish to tears of joy, a profound shift that signaled safety for his five-year-old self.

My parents told me there was a war in Liberia. In that situation, there were only two options: be part of the war or leave. My parents had no intention of taking up arms. I'm happy they decided we should leave.

— Alphonso DaviesDavies reflecting on his parents' decision to flee Liberia.

His parents, Debeah and Victoria, had applied to the Canadian government's refugee resettlement program. After rigorous vetting, their application was approved, leading the family to immigrate to Canada. Initially settling in Windsor, Ontario, they faced the challenges of a new language and a harsh climate. Their parents worked long hours to provide for the family, instilling in young Alphonso the value of hard work.

The family later moved to Edmonton, Alberta, seeking more affordable living and better job opportunities. It was in Edmonton that Davies began to integrate into local customs and discovered his passion for football, which emerged as a universal language on schoolyards and community centers, paving the way for his future success.

My parents told me there was a war in Liberia. In that situation, only two options: be part of the war or leave. My parents had no intention of taking up arms. I am happy that they decided that we leave.

— Alphonso DaviesDavies recalling the circumstances that led his family to leave Liberia.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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