Célestin Shema
I’m More Than The Immigrant You Had In Mind is a powerful project that highlights the diverse and multifaceted identities of immigrants in Canada. The project aims to challenge the stereotypes often associated with newcomers, offering a richer and more nuanced view of their lives, passions, and contributions. Join us as we share the personal stories of immigrants from all walks of life, shedding light on their hopes, dreams, and pursuit of belonging in their new home.
My biggest challenge is that, of course, I’m not with my family. It’s very hard to stay away from your young children… One is five and the other seven… Family, for me, it’s the future. Family is the present… Family is a way of expressing one’s everything… one’s skills, one’s compassion, one’s confidence.
Name: Célestin Shema
Originally From: Rwanda
Photographs by Nathan Smith
In this audio story, Shema Célestin shares his journey from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to Rwanda, and eventually to Canada. He reflects on his life as an immigrant, the challenges of being separated from his young children, and the significance of family in shaping one’s life and society.
Shema, who is now living in Duncan and working with CIS, speaks about his personal growth and his greatest achievement—successfully integrating into Canadian society despite being away from his loved ones. In this powerful account, Shema delves into the importance of family as the cornerstone of individual well-being and societal harmony.
He explores how the absence of a stable family environment can lead to broader social issues, offering deep insights into the human experience of migration and family separation. Shema’s story is a vital reminder of the strength and resilience required in the immigrant journey and the lasting impact of family bonds, no matter the distance.
This project is produced and presented to you by the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria and powered by the Department of Canadian Heritage.
