Dieudonné Mugeni grew up with his family in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which geographically has many high plateaus, mountains and the Congo basin, a vast rolling plain with an average elevation of about 520 metres above sea level.
In 1996, conflict broke out in his home country that led to millions of deaths and thousands of people being forced to flee; many eventually became refugees and asylum seekers to Canada, including many of Mugeni's siblings, who ended up in the qathet region.
Mugeni went to university in the city of Bukavu in the DRC and graduated as a doctor of medicine.
"My siblings came here before me, so I came to join them as a permanent resident to Canada in 2019," said Mugeni.
A group in qathet called Hands Across the Water was an integral part of reuniting Mugeni, his wife and two young children with his family members in this region.
Mugeni said when his siblings arrived, they felt welcome, and since his arrival six years ago, he has fully embraced life on the coast, while at the same time, studying to become a qualified general practitioner in Canada, which is not easy. Mugeni is now a Canadian citizen.
"I am preparing for some exams for the Medical Council of Canada," said Mugeni. "Everybody knows there is a big need for doctors in Canada; almost 20 per cent of Canadians do not have a primary care doctor."
Mugeni said estimates indicate that almost 20 per cent of doctors currently practicing are preparing to retire, and he hopes the government will respond to that.
"Usually there are two big exams for the Medical Council of Canada," said Mugeni. "So if I pass those two exams, then I become a licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada, then I can do a few more smaller exams, and then I can be ready to apply for a residency program."
Each province has its own examinations. Mugeni has already passed part one and is preparing for the second exam.
"I've been studying a lot, because they are very difficult, very challenging," said Mugeni. "They require patience, endurance, but also resilience."
When Mugeni finished his medical studies in the DRC he moved to Namibia, which is an English speaking country, and had the chance to improve and practice his language skills.
"I've worked at Brooks [Secondary School] as an education assistant for [qathet] School District for five years now," said Mugeni. "People here are very welcoming, and very kind."
Mugeni said although he is busy studying, he likes to jog, cycle and hike, even if it's raining.
"During the winter break, I was very busy hosting my siblings from all around; some came from Vancouver," said Mugeni. "I believe 2025 will be a beautiful year, and I really look forward to a new beginning here [as a practicing doctor]."
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