Merveille Mufula is a new volunteer with the Jesuit Refugee Service in Canada (JRS Canada). In June 2025, she attended her first session of our simulation exercise: A Journey into Exile in Sorel-Tracy for employees of L’Orienthèque.

Her commitment was appreciated by our Project Manager, Tevfik Karatop, who hopes to work with her in the coming months.

Merveille agreed to answer a few questions for us so that you can get to know her better. Perhaps you will have the pleasure of meeting her at the next A Journey into Exile session.

How long have you been in Canada—and where were you before?

I have been in Canada for 11 months now. I was in Uganda before coming to Canada.

How do you see your role within JRS Canada?

I see my role within JRS Canada as a way to give back what I myself have received. Through volunteering, I feel like I can help sow hope, raise awareness, and support those who are facing the same challenges I have faced. It is a privilege for me to be able to get involved and take concrete action for change, even on a small scale. It also allows me to continue to grow, learn, and build strong human connections.

What emotion drives you when you volunteer with JRS Canada?

It’s a mixture of gratitude, pride, and hope. Every time I volunteer, I feel a deep sense of gratitude towards life for giving me this opportunity to be here. I am proud to be able to contribute to making a difference in the lives of others. But above all, it is hope that drives me: the hope that every gesture, every word, every action can shed a little more light on someone’s journey. It is a role that constantly reminds me that, even after difficult trials, we can always choose to be a source of good for others.

Some photos of our team, Merveille, and the employees of L'Orienthèque 
at A Journey into Exile simulation in Sorel-Tracy.

What kind of support do you plan to provide to refugees?

I want to be a concrete and caring presence for refugees, especially in those first moments after arrival when everything is unfamiliar and often confusing. What I want to offer them first and foremost is a sincere ear, because sometimes just being heard is enough to lighten an immense burden. Then, I want to offer support that is patient: helping them understand their environment, find essential resources, and regain confidence in their abilities. But beyond practical help, I want to convey a strong message:

“ You are here now, and your life matters ”

I can also share my experience, because sometimes hearing that someone else has overcome the same challenges gives you the courage to move forward. By getting involved with JRS Canada, I want to be that little beacon of hope, a helping hand that says:

“ You are not alone, and you can do it ”

I deeply believe that every gesture of welcome, no matter how simple, can repair something in another person. It is this human connection that I want to build, a connection that reassures, uplifts, and reminds us that exile does not erase a person’s dignity or value.

What do you remember most about your interactions with the employees of L’Orienthèque during the simulation exercise A Journey into Exile?

What stood out most to me is the sincere listening and open-mindedness of the employees. I felt a genuine interest on their part in understanding the realities faced by refugees, beyond the clichés. The exchanges were rich, respectful, and sometimes very touching. Several told me that my testimony had allowed them to see things from a different perspective, with more humanity. These moments reminded me how essential dialogue is in building bridges between lived experiences and professional interventions. I came away encouraged, with the feeling that I had sown a little awareness and solidarity, which is my goal.