By Nigel Maxwell

Refugee families prepare to celebrate first Canada Day

Jun 30, 2018 | 8:00 AM

This Sunday will mark Canada’s 151st birthday, but for two families living in Prince Albert, this will be their first time taking part in the festivities.

Kasereka Mudogo moved with his wife and four children from Uganda to Canada in March. He said his family was very excited to start a new life in Canada.

“Back in Uganda life was not easy, it was tough,” he said.

Mudogo’s children range in age from nine to 16. Mudogo, who has spent the past five weeks learning English, said his emotions were mixed when he thought about starting a new life in a new country.

“It was stressful moving to a new place you’ve never been to before, don’t know where you are going but at least in my mind I knew I was going to a culture that was well organized,” he said.

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Mudogo said he was very excited about the events taking place Sunday at Kinsmen and had lots of questions for paNOW regarding what will happen.

“I’m just happy when I can meet people from a multi-cultural city and people from different countries all united together for one purpose that shows unity and that is the strength of Canada,” he said.

Abdulkarim Mohammed Huussein moved to Canada from Uganda in February, along with his wife, two young daughters and brother. He said he found the snow and cold temperatures a bit much to get used to.

“I had never been in a winter place, so this was the first time I seen winter but it wasn’t bad, it was good, but you need some strong clothes,” he said.

Prior to moving to Uganda in 2011, Huussein grew up in the Darfur region. He said he wanted a better life for his daughters, and that’s what made him choose coming to Canada where he added he feels more security and is free from harassment.

“I have many friends in different countries like in Europe or America but it’s not like Canada, I think Canada is the best one,” he said.

Since January 1, the YWCA’s settlement services has assisted over 80 individuals with their move to Canada.

Once again the Prince Albert Multicultural Council is helping to organize the city’s Canada Day festivities at Kinsmen Park. The activities and entertainment will start at noon. The fireworks show has been tentatively scheduled for 10 p.m. weather permitting.

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell