From exile to mutual aid: the journey of a refugee mother from Congo

Naomi* is a refugee mother from the Democratic Republic of Congo. She arrived in Canada with her three-year-old daughter just over a year ago.

They left everything behind overnight—their home, their family, their country—without knowing if they would be welcomed anywhere.

Her early days in Canada were not easy. She and her daughter lived in a small, almost empty apartment, which included a mattress on the floor and a few basic appliances, with little to eat. She had no furniture or toys for her daughter.

Hugo Ducharme, Coordinator and Sponsorship Manager at JRS Canada, shared how he felt when he saw the conditions Naomi and her daughter were living in.

“I was outraged. I found it inconceivable what was happening to her and felt compelled to act,” said Hugo Ducharme.

Our attentive team at the Jesuit Refugee Service Canada was quickly mobilized to help Naomi and her daughter: accompanying them to the grocery store, finding furniture and toys for her daughter, developing a budget, and helping them get settled in Montreal.

Naomi had to adapt quickly to a new country and an unfamiliar culture, with very few resources, while caring for her young daughter, looking for a job, and completing two training programs.

The first training program lasted six months. It focused on developing her employability, which enabled her to do an internship with JRS Canada. The second training program that she is currently enrolled in will help her work in a kitchen.

“Naomi is becoming independent. She is undergoing training that will help her find a job. All this accompaniment work is yielding very positive results, as she will be able to take care of herself. Ultimately, that is our goal,” said Norbert Piché, Country Director of JRS Canada.

The help our team has been able to provide to Naomi and her daughter would not be possible without the solidarity of the Loyola High School community.

Tevfik Karatop, Project Manager at JRS Canada, with students from Ms. Beland’s class at Loyola High School.

Each year, the students in Ms. Beland’s English class from secondary one ask us to help them support a refugee family as part of their curriculum. The students participate in a simulation exercise organized by Tevfik Karatop, our Project Manager at JRS Canada. Their practical application consists of providing concrete help to a refugee family.

This year, the students in this class were moved by the plight of this small single-parent family and rallied to help them. The JRS Canada team received much more than it could have hoped for.

Among other things, they received a sofa, a TV, toys, $500 in Maxi gift cards, Christmas gift cards, winter clothing, books and home goods.

“The students learned that there is really no such thing as “the other” – we are meant to walk in solidarity and in step with our brothers and sisters,” said the Vice Principal of Academics for the Junior School and Co-education at Loyola High School, Annie Beland. They are “called to action by showing kindness, compassion and love to those who need us most,” she added.

The refugee mother has a very busy schedule, but she found the time to write to us about her experience in an e-mail exchange.

“I would like to thank JRS Canada for supporting us since our arrival in Canada and for ensuring our well-being in every way. We are very grateful for all the efforts that were made by the team,” shared Naomi.

In her heartfelt message, she also acknowledged the important collaboration between the two Jesuit organizations.

“We also thank Loyola High School, whose children contributed greatly to our well-being. We are delighted with all the beautiful gifts and gift cards we received. My daughter was so happy that she did a little dance when she received the television!” said Naomi.

Our community worker Jean Gardy Joseph, SJ, also received a lovely message on the phone from the little girl. It was a testimony of the joy that has filled their home since JRS Canada’s visit.