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Interview produced on 2006, June 5th
Let’s Talk about you… you are Congolese from RDC living in Canada (Toronto)
I am from the Congo. I was a lecturer in Human Rights and Philosophy. I was also a Director of a local NGO aiming at raising awareness for democracy and human rights among citizens for peaceful coexistence between various ethnic groups . It is because of this involvement in building humanity that I had to quit my own country. I left my country saving my own life and feeling defeated.
Could you tell us more about your coming in Canada, in which conditions did you come there?
I came in Canada in despair for safety and security, running from my country and searching for peace and security.
You left your country in war…what did you learn of this hard experience? Was it a personal choice to establish in Canada or the fate which make you live in this country?
War is a negation of dignity in people. It deprives people from ther own ability of being reliable. It creates fear, insecurity and leaves people in a feeling of self-destruction. It creates emptiness in someone's selfesteem and terror in life. And a life full of terror, destruction cannot rebuild a positive society. That is why, I thing that it is important to have a lot of social workers or counsellors to places affected by war so that they can talk to victims of war. I find this will help more than sending material aid.
My establishment in Canada is both an act of fate and personal choice, because I could have also established in the USA.
Which issues you are interested in or that affected you as a young person?
Political violence, youth violence and self-reliance are issues that I am interested in. Political violence creates a state of terrorism in today's world and that destroys our chances of moving forward in solving problems of hunger, environment...I find that political violence turned to wars in every corner of the planet is unfortunate when our world has suffered already through the two World Wars.
Youth violence also erodes our youth from having social skills related to peaceful coexistence so important in building today's society. It creates culture of gangs relying on guns to solve problems, instead of dialogue and tolerance.
Tell us about your studies, your expertise….
I have earned a MA in political philosophy which I am proud of. I have also studied business management, peace studies and Religion studies. And Computer hardware and networking. I am researching in Peace education.
My expertise! I don't consider myself as expert because my philosophical studies have taught me that an intellectual should always seek truth and sense for peace and progress in humanity. And it is difficult to be expert in that!
You seem to be really a determinated and strongly motivated individual…. A good profile of leader? Where is your vision of leadership ? What are your short term projects?
I am convinced that good leaders make a lifetime change in people, society. Being a leader takes both natural gifts and social skills which can be learned by attentive listening to peers, attentive observation of history and society. But mostly, a good leader lives for a vision and he is able to loose every thing for that vision.A vision is in simple word “where do you as a leader wants to take the society?”.That step has to be left as a legacy for all and something any society can be inspired by and build upon.
My short term project is to continue teaching in the Toronto District School Board and to make a difference in the students by inspiring them.
You are francophone….Why did you choose to live in an anglophone region?
I have chosen Toronto because of its cosmopolitan environment. I wanted to learn from others cultures. And me being francophone and living in an anglophone environment I learn not only the english language but also I will broad my view of the world.This decision enriches my life.
What are your feelings about francophone integration in Anglophone regions?
I think it is a gain for a francophone to live in Anglophone regions. Vice versa. But it takes the determination to learn the other language and value in its culture.
Can you describe a funny, comic or tragic situation that you lived as immigrant?
I have a couple of them. The funniest is when I was invited to Ottawa to give a presentation. It was a contest. Luckily, no one was introduced before the talks. At the end, I was elected the best presenter of the day. And Students were conviced that I went to school here at University of Toronto or in Northen America. And I had to convice them that I had my education from the war torn Congo in Africa.
What are the challenges for immigrants to build a career in Canada?
Patience and networking are very important to build career in Canada. It is not impossible but it takes patience and networking.
Did you encounter obstacles, barriers to find a job ?
I stayed 4 months without a job. But for a new comer who did not know anyone here, I take it easy.
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Writer Profile
Sessi
Formation de la relève, leadership, diversité, média sociaux... sont autant de sujets qui suscitent son intérêt et animent son inspiration....
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Comments
Very interesting ! Yassir El Ouarzadi | Jun 3rd, 2008
Merci Sessi d'avoir posté cette entrevue, c'est intéressant pour les immigrants mais aussi pour tous les citoyens de lire ce genre d'histoires de personnes qui ont réussi à s'adapter et même à exceller dans leur nouveau pays (pays d'accueil).
Yassir
billy mangole | Jun 6th, 2008
Il est evident que tous les defis auquels les hommes sont confontés dans le temps et dans l’espace, est avant tout un combat pour la sauvegarde de la dignité et des valeures universelles .
Cette dignité passe avant tout par soi et sa preservation represente pour nous un devoir et une obligation à la fois....
Diomandé Moussa | Jul 15th, 2008
Sois sûr que la majorité des jeunes qui a lu cette interview en a tiré une bonne dose de courage et de persévérance...En tant que jeune ça me grandit d'esprit et surtout je retiens que rien ne se perd même quant on croit avoir tout perdu !!! il y a toujours une lueur d'espoir à l'horizon!!!
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