Stories of resilience to inspire children of African descent
by Tom Malaba, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Concerns as to how the young generation can navigate the social – political spectrum in Canada to be the best they are meant to be, despite the challenges that continue to bedevil parents of children of African descent.
Hungry for solutions, parents of African descent and their young met at an intergenerational evening to share and listen to successful stories of resilience beyond the surface.
Under the umbrella of the Emerging Lives Initiative (ELI) the young and the old met at the Jim Durell Recreation Centre in Ottawa on May 24 to share and inspire young people to aim for the best.
Prof. Nduka Otiono, the Director of the Institute of African Studies at Carleton University, one of the three panelists for the evening, while sharing his journey, said he came to Canada as a Journalist for 15years before diverting into academia.
“Trials are part of life, there will always be things that will challenge you but stay focused,” Prof. Otiono said adding that it’s never too late to start. He expressed gratitude how children of African descent are competing and progressing in various fields.
While Efe Omueti, who doubles as the President of the Nigerian Canadian Association Ottawa (NCAO), revealed that his elder sister advised him to go out and be the best he wanted to be. “The others have done it; you too can make it…” was the wise counsel he received from his sister and he has never looked back. Omueti currently has a Master’s in International Human Resource Management.
Ifrah Hassan, a Somali-Canadian activist and entrepreneur, transitioned from a decade of youth mentorship to a Global entrepreneur leading a network of over 2,000 partners across 30 countries, a transition she attributes to resilience.
“When you see someone who has achieved something, ask them how they made,” Ifrah Hassan noted instead of envying them.
Some parents called on the young people to listen to their parents and not forget their culture and language. “Seek information and ask questions, do not put your hands into things that are not correct,” a Parent who identified himself as Gabriel from DR. Congo said.
Born in Haiti, raised in the United States before calling Canada home, Aschbel Joseph studied Architecture but branched into Artist. Her eye-warming fibre artistry pieces showcasing her heritage were on display for all to appreciate.
“My journey, like any other, has not been easy. Sometimes you may not get it, sometimes someone will push you but have something within that says…I am special,” Aschbel Joseph told the young people present.
Emerging Lives Initiative (ELI) is a Canadian registered charity organization focused on strengthening the youth and young adults workforce. It was found by Ifeoma Okonji where the young people meet and hear stories of adults through the Seniors Tales at Sunset (STAS).
The guests were entertained to music and later were served dinner before calling it an evening.
