Ugonna Prince Ernest Osigwe – Celebrating Black History Month
Ugonna Prince Ernest Osigwe moved to Canada from Nigeria on April 7, 2023. Ugonna is originally from Imo State, which is located in the southeastern part of Nigeria. Imo State is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, which is beautifully reflected in its traditional attire, music, dance, festivals, arts and crafts, and the warm hospitality of its people. The majority of Imo State’s residents are Christians, with Catholicism being the most predominant denomination.
“While my parents continue to reside in Nigeria, I am currently living in Canada independently. The primary reason for immigrating to Canada was to pursue a quality education that would prepare me for real-world challenges,” said Ugonna.
His interest in Canada began during his early school years and solidified during his final term of secondary school. When he shared this aspiration with his parents after secondary school, they were genuinely excited and fully supportive, recognizing the vast opportunities and valuable experiences that moving abroad would offer. Their unwavering encouragement and support were instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition to Canada for Ugonna.
Despite the excitement that comes with the idea of moving to a developed country like Canada, leaving his home country was never an easy decision, and one of the most challenging aspects is being separated from his loved ones, knowing it will be a long time before he will see them again. The absence of their presence and the comfort of being close to family can be deeply felt, especially during significant milestones or moments when their support would mean the most. Maintaining connections through video calls, messages, and other forms of communication often becomes a vital way to bridge the distance. “However, no amount of technology can fully replace the warmth of being physically present with my family” shared Ugonna.
Ugonna faced some cultural shock like every immigrant that moves to Canada; he shares that he was instantly struck by the dramatic difference in climate. “Coming from a tropical region where temperatures regularly surpass 30 degrees Celsius, I was not prepared for the intense cold that hit me at Toronto Airport in April, just as winter was coming to an end. The cold was unlike anything I had ever encountered, marking the beginning of my new journey in this country,” shared Ugonna.
Asked how he approached the culture shock, he said he embraces the opportunities to learn, try new things and adapt to his surroundings with an open mind. “I found it especially helpful to connect with positive minded friends who had been living here longer, as their experiences guided me through my transition”. While there is a lot of joy in moving to a new country, Ugonna missed many things in his home country, but on the top of the list, he missed his loved ones and the comforting flavors of Nigerian local cuisine.
In comparison with other immigrants who came before him to Canada, his immigration journey has been largely smooth, although it has required some adjustments, particularly in adapting to a new culture and navigating a different educational system and job market. “At times, I’ve experienced feelings of isolation and homesickness. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the importance of creating my own happiness, as it can be challenging to manage feelings of depression when family is far away” shared Ugonna.
Ugonna shared that his experience has been largely positive. The local community has been welcoming, and he has found ways to integrate, whether through education, work, or social activities. “However, I’ve also had to overcome occasional feelings of isolation. There have been instances of subtle discrimination, but I’ve dealt with them by staying focused on my goals and drawing strength from my support network, including friends, family, colleagues and mentors. Talking about my experiences with people I trust has also been helpful. One misconception is that immigrants don’t contribute enough to society. The truth is, many immigrants work hard, bring diverse skills, and play a significant role in building the economy and culture.
Ugonna also shared that the Black community faces a lot of challenges, such as labour market integration, income inequalities, and discrimination. Black History Month in Saskatchewan is a time not only for celebration but also for the discussion of these issues. The story of the Black community is one of resiliency, diversity, and a substantial contribution to the Canadian heritage; it still demands extra effort in order to allow for the full inclusion of all Black Canadians. “People may think all immigrants move solely for financial reasons, ignoring personal growth and education. For me, one of the best things about immigrating to Canada seems to have been the opportunity to pursue higher education and gain the knowledge and skills necessary for real-life challenges which will help me to contribute to the Canadian society.”
He also shares that he feels a growing sense of belonging in Canada and his work at COR has been a key part of this journey. “One of the most impactful aspects has been learning and practicing Gentle Teaching. Within a culture of gentleness, the relationship with the individuals I support has become more genuine and trusting. The connection is built on emotional bonds rather than control, creating a safe and nurturing environment.” “Something I’ve learned is that the more individuals trust me, the more the relationship grows. Gentle Teaching emphasizes supporting people with unconditional respect, and this philosophy has transformed both my personal and professional lives. It has made me more patient, empathetic, and intentional in my interactions. I’ve seen the positive reflection of this approach in the life of the person I support as they become more confident, emotionally secure, and connected. These experiences have deepened my sense of belonging at COR and within the wider community”.
Thank you, Ugonna, for sharing your journey to Canada and COR. We are grateful for everything you do as we pride ourselves on the human touch of every person that is part of the COR family.
