Syria Crisis: Former Syrian cosmonaut works to support other refugees

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Millions have fled to neighboring countries such as Turkey, where over 3.4 million Syrians are being hosted. They have escaped from terror, hoping to start a new life in an unfamiliar territory. CGTN's Michal Bardavid in Istanbul brings us the unique story of Syria's former spaceman who became a refugee and is now working hard to support others.

In 1987, Muhammed Faris became the first Syrian to travel to space. He went on a joint mission with Soviet cosmonauts and spent seven days in space. He became a national hero and later served as a military advisory. But when the Syrian conflict began - he disagreed with the governments' actions and decided to flee the country with his family and came to Turkey.

Muhammed Faris says he learned a lot about humanity through his space experience.

MUHAMMED FARIS FORMER SYRIAN COSMONAUT "The best thing from space, you see the earth as one thing, there are no borders, it's the home of the human, all humans - black white and yellow, all of humans are the same."

In Turkey, Muhammed Faris has found a way to spread his knowledge - he lectures children who attend space programs. He believes that children have the power to change the future.

MUHAMMED FARIS FORMER SYRIAN COSMONAUT "I earn nothing financially from the lectures or conferences, for me the biggest gain is the happiness I see from a child's face when they are learning."

Children in the school are fascinated by his story and ask numerous questions about his experience in space. The Faris family is also working to support others refugees in Turkey.

MICHAL BARDAVID ISTANBUL "Not knowing the Turkish language is one of the main challenges refugees face when trying to integrate into the Turkish society. The Faris family has opened this language school in 2014 and has taught over 3,000 students since."

Muhammed's wife, Hind Faris is also active in the Syrian community, especially with children.

HIND AKIL FARIS SYRIAN REFUGEE "We frequently organize entertaining events for orphan children as their psychological states have been negatively affected by war. We organize art and music classes for them."

The Faris family strive to give hope and set an example for refugees.

MUHAMMED FARIS FORMER SYRIAN COSMONAUT "To refugees struggling around the world I say, don't give up."

Starting a new life as a refugee - is a difficult task, but with the support of people like the Faris family who have succeeded to integrate, it certainly becomes easier. Michal Bardavid, CGTN, Istanbul.