Ottawa’s Strathcona Park played host to festivities marking the 56th anniversary of Burundi’s independence on July 7, 2018. The event, organized by the Alliance des Burundais du Canada (ABC) in collaboration with Unis pour une Intégration Consciente au Canada (UNICC), Burundi We Want (BWW) and African Canadian Association (ACAO), was a great success. The day’s activities could not have been more diverse. These included a walk along the Rideau River led by members of the Ottawa-Vanier ABC section, children’s games organized by the Ottawa Scouts and Guides, and refreshments to suit all participants.
The highlight of the festivities was a soccer tournament featuring more than five teams from all over the country, including Ottawa, Montreal and Sherbrooke. Sherbrooke won the tournament, and the ABC seniors won the curtain-raiser match. Shortly after the tournament, the footballers joined the other participants as the match between Russia and Croatia was broadcast live in the Park.
ABC then distributed computers to five families most in need, according to criteria established by the organization, and awarded certificates to children who had successfully completed kindergarten, primary and secondary school, in order to support their academic progress and success. This was greeted with great enthusiasm by the recipients.
Greg Fergus, Member of Parliament for Hull-Aylmer, exclaimed: “I’m honoured to take part in this event, and to see for myself the joy and fervour of Burundians in Canada as they celebrate the 56th anniversary of their country’s independence. But the most important thing for Mr. Fergus is this activity of handing over computers and certificates because, for him, “The promotion of education is an essential activity; education is the basis of all development, the key to the future”.
André Dunduri, President of the Federal ABC, stressed the importance of children’s education as a source of community development and the effective integration of Burundians into Canadian society. He thanked all Burundians, young and old, for their massive response to this celebration of Burundian independence, which also coincided with the anniversary of the founding of Canada. He also acknowledged the presence of Canadian authorities who had joined the Burundians, including the Honorable Nathalie Des Rosiers, the Honorable Greg Fergus and Municipal Councillor Mathieu Fleury. Nathalie Des Rosiers, MPP for Ottawa-Vanier, was delighted to participate, saying it was always an honor to meet communities and celebrate diversity. She added that “the ABC is one of the good organizations that allows everyone to be heard in Canada and possibly elsewhere; that brings the diaspora together so they feel supported; so they can participate politically, culturally and socially. So it’s important to see organizations like that, and this one works very well”. When asked about her response to the expectations of the Burundians, Nathalie Des Rosiers said: “All my life, I’ve worked a lot in the resistance against discrimination. So I’m always attentive to the symptoms of discrimination that may exist, and I really enjoy participating with community groups to see how we can improve their lot and make sure that people who come to Canada are well received and can contribute to the extent of their talents, and this continues to be a point on which we must continue to work”. The MP’s score for ABC: 9.6 out of 10, or 96%. “Diversity is our strength”, she enthusiastically told the audience. She also presented ABC with a special certificate for its achievements.
Mathieu Fleury, Rideau-Vanier city councillor, agreed. He felt that the ABC stood out from many other organizations with its innovative vision that puts education at the heart of its concerns, believing it to be the very foundation and key to all development. Mathieu Fleury was keen to point out that the awarding of computers and certificates fosters emulation among the children and is a model for immigrant communities and even for Canadians.
Thierry Harris, entrepreneur and candidate for Rideau-Vanier City Councillor, gave the ABC a 150% mark for organizational quality, noting with a touch of satisfaction that “The assets of the Burundians are their education and their easy approach”, before concluding that, “When you open up to others; when you open the barrier, there’s a world of possibilities that can happen”.
The reactions of others who came to celebrate the event were invariable and almost unanimous: “a perfectly successful party, the joy and feeling of being together as a family and a community”. The Canadians on hand were all smiles, and had no qualms about blending in with the suddenly “rainbow” crowds; the concept of diversity is so ingrained in them that it all seemed so natural.
Rose Hakizimana, a Burundian living in Ottawa, says: “ABC ikora ibikora inka”-“ABC is doing a remarkable job”. She adds that it’s an extraordinary exercise to enable people to meet and flourish together as a community, celebrating their country’s independence in jubilation. “The ABC is a melting pot of unity for Burundians in Canada; a real family”, concludes Ms. Hakizimana.
The July 7 event was preceded by a workshop organized two days earlier by the ABC in collaboration with the Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO), the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) and independent experts on “The role of parents in their children’s education”.
Two weeks earlier, as if the stars were aligned in our community’s favour, two members of the ABC executive committee, Léocadie Kabogoye and Justine Nkurunziza, were awarded medals by the Mayor of Ottawa in recognition of their leadership and involvement in their community.
Our community’s involvement in Canadian society honours us and will determine the future we leave to our children.
Ottawa, July 20, 2018
© L’Alliance des Burundais du Canada, l’ABC