Gerard
Refugees and immigrants are not burdens. Refugees flee from their homes in search of safety. Refugees just want to belong, build a future and contribute to the society. Be informed and support refugees and immigrants in settling in because their success is for the benefits of many people. Be a good ally.
Gerard is not just a refugee, he is an advocate, a global citizen and a learner
My family and I left Congo in 1998 to seek refuge in Kigoma, Tanzania. Life as refugees in a camp was very hard because we relied on the support that UNHCR and other organizations were offering. At times we would go hungry the whole day in order to have something to eat in the night. After a couple of years in Lugufu refugee camp, my parents decided to make the journey down to South Africa in search of better life. We arrived in Cape Town, South Africa in 2002 and it was there where we had the chance of building a better future. We registered in schools and my dad found a job as a security guard and my big brother as a barber. As my dad and brother were not earning much, it was very hard to support the whole family. This made life very hard in South Africa because we were refugees and some locals were not very welcoming to refugees and migrants.
In 2008 during xenophobia events which swept South Africa, we sought refuge at an organization which was assisting those who fell hostage to the South Africans that were looting, hurting and killing refugees and migrants. It was a very scary moment to see that a place that we had called home for several years was rejecting us. During our time in South Africa, my parents applied for resettlement in Canada as refugees and we were patiently waiting for that faithful day. Through these moments of uncertainty and chaos, the immigration process finalized, and we were accepted in Edmonton, Canada as government sponsored refugees in September of 2008. After this moment, life was never the same.
Within two months of arrival in Canada, I started working as a Banquet Server at a conference. It was a joyful moment that I will never forget. I shared my first pay check with my family and bought a cell phone on the second one. As refugees back in South Africa, working was nearly impossible because of lack of documents and many often had to work under false local names. To be able to freely work and earn a living was truly a defining moment.
Now, I am very proud to hold a Bachelor of Business Administration from Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and a Masters of International Relations from China. As a former refugee, education was the goal but was not easy. To be able to achieve higher education has been one of the proudest moments in my life. Another defining moment was in 2016 when I received an internship in refugee settlement as part of a study abroad program with The Washington Center. When we were refugees, my siblings and I would dream of achieving high education and contributing to the transformation of other people's lives. To be able to achieve a BBA and have an internship in United States was a dream come true, especially as a refugee. The reason why I'm proud of these moments is because I have given and continue to give back to the community and the world whether through volunteering, speaking at events, traveling or leading youth initiatives. Also, to be able to travel the world freely as a Canadian citizen is always a proud moment which I never take for granted.
Being aware that with great determination, my story or background do not hold me back has been my source of joy and strength in my new home. Despite finances being an obstacle,I have had the honor of travelling to over 15 countries for volunteering, study abroad, visits, research or exchange programs. Over the past few years, I have committed myself to community causes such as youth at-risk, homelessness, refugees and migrants. I have volunteered at countless events across the City of Edmonton and have traveled around Canada on youth missions. In February of 2014, alongside fellow young people we founded Diaspora African Youth Association (DAYA) to encourage young Africans to give back to their society and support each other through education and career opportunities. In February of 2016, I traveled to New York for Youth Assembly at the United Nations and entered in a Social Venture Competition put together by Resolution Fellow. We were among 3 winning teams and the only one from Canada. It was both a proud and humbling moment. We went on to establish Youth Employment & Integration to support refugees and migrants with education and volunteer opportunities. Being able to give back to the community has been my strength of joy because I get to put the education and knowledge to great use.I believe education is only good if you are using it to transform the life of others.
My goal for the future is to continue contributing to the transforming people's lives in Canada and around the world. I desire to be a Canadian Diplomat one day either working for the government or with inter-governmental organizations such as The United Nations, UNHCR or UNICEF in order to do my part in making this world a better place for everyone. In everything that I do, humanity is at the center. I am passionate about the world of refugees, humanitarian and development and my dream in the future is to continue putting my education, knowledge and skills in these area for the benefits of humanity.
You will face challenges especially at the early stages but never give up. There will be days when you want to take shortcuts, but you should stay on track and true to yourself. If higher education is your goal, it is possible no matter how far reach it seems. If employment is your goal, it is possible no matter the unsuccessful applications. As you settle into your new home, your story and roots are your strongest weapon, even though some try to run from or forget it. No matter the story or the hardships, there are lessons to be learned that will help with your current situation and the road ahead. Take ownership of your story and let it be part of your driving force in your quest for transformation of life and building a new home. Do not be discouraged by how advanced other people seem to be, just focus on your own journey and you will soon reach your destination. Give back to your new home and take full ownership.
Migration made me stronger in having the grit to achieve my dreams and goals. Calling Canada home also allowed me to reconnect with the Motherlands (Congo, Tanzania & South Africa) over the years on trips of self-discovery. Migration helped me appreciate my story, my roots and also look at how I can best assist the countries I call home. In order for people to draw their paths forward, they must first know where they come from and migration has best helped me in this way. I am a proud African-Canadian.
Refugees and immigrants are not burdens. Refugees flee from their homes in search of safety. Refugees just want to belong, build a future and contribute to the society. Be informed and support refugees and immigrants in settling in because their success is for the benefits of many people. Be a good ally.