A Journey of Resilience: From Eastern DRC to Winnipeg, Canada - The Story of Jean Claude

Jean Claude was just 10 years old when he and his sister fled their village in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to conflict. Seeking refuge in Rwanda, they eventually found shelter in Nyabiheke Camp in 2008.

After settling down, Jean Claude began to fill his days with school, eventually taking classes at Kibogora Polytechnic in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

In 2019, he received news that both he and his sister were eligible to begin the resettlement process. In Rwanda, the United Nations prioritizes vulnerable resettlement cases. Currently, ten resettlement countries offer quotas for refugees in Rwanda.

After undergoing interviews, assessments, submissions of application, the selection process, and medical screenings; in November 2023, Jean Claude and his sister were finally ready to be resettled in Canada.

Excited for the new opportunities that awaited them, Jean Claude expressed, 

“Moving with my sister is beyond my expectations. It has been my dream to make it to another country like Canada, where I can learn new things and develop myself. When I get to Canada, my dream is to complete my studies in accounting and find a good job.”

Despite the excitement, there was also trepidation as he bid farewell to friends and loved ones who would remain in Rwanda. 

“To my friends and people I’m leaving behind, I want to tell them to stay positive and not lose hope. I want Canadians to know there are still many refugees here, and they also need resettlement opportunities.”

Though Jean Claude and his sister have safely arrived in their new home in Winnipeg, they will never forget their time in Rwanda. 

“I’m thankful for our time in Rwanda; we were lucky to meet people who share the same language so we could communicate easily. It helped us feel at home there, and I hope it will be the same for us in Canada.”

Jean Claude and his sister are among the refugees resettled through programmes jointly implemented by the UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).