World Refugee Day recognized across Stratford

World Refugee Day is on June 20. Pictured is Sibomana Bujambi (John), who shared his story with the Times about how he fled violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with his family to come to Canada.

As communities around the globe mark World Refugee Day on June 20, residents in Stratford are also taking time to recognize the resilience, courage and contributions of those who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution.

“The City of Stratford is proud to recognize and celebrate World Refugee Day,” said Mayor Martin Ritsma, “We are fortunate to have refugees from many countries choose Stratford as their new home. In my personal meetings with our newcomers, I encourage them to share their life story and to be proud of their history, life experiences and culture. Let’s continue to walk in solidarity with the refugees in our local communities.”

The United Nations established World Refugee Day in 2001 to honour the strength and perseverance of millions of displaced people around the world. It’s also a call to action — for governments, communities and individuals — to offer protection and support to those who seek safety.

Sibomana Bujambi (John), a man now living in Stratford shared his story of survival — a story that includes years spent fleeing violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and life in a refugee camp before arriving in Canada.

“Sometimes we were obliged to go and hide ourselves in the forest,” he told the Times. “That was necessary when they attacked us during the night without warning. This happened many, many times.”

One memory that stands out is the night his group was fleeing and had to descend from a high ledge with children and a pregnant woman in tow.

“The kids were being lifted from on top to the ground below,” he said. “We were with a pregnant young woman whose mother was crying, telling those helping us to hold her gently.”

In another instance, his elderly grandfather had to be left behind in a small prayer house deep in the bush as he was too weak to run.

“It was in the night, and we were afraid they could burn him in the house,” he said. “He didn’t die that night, but I remember feeling badly leaving him there.”

During one escape, he was separated from his family and fled with strangers. In his panic, he crossed a river on foot, despite not knowing how to swim.

“Because of fear, I was able to walk through a river and cross over,” he said. “These three experiences are especially difficult times that I will not forget.”

Eventually, he and his sister reached a refugee camp in Burundi, joining other siblings who had already fled there. Life in the camp brought its own struggles — food, shelter and a sense of the future were hard to come by.

“Thankfully, God also has his own way,” he said. “He sees where we can’t see. He knows what our future looks like.”

Over time, some family members were able to immigrate to countries such as Canada and the United States. Financial support from those abroad began trickling back to those still in the camp. In 2023, he and his family finally arrived in Canada, and for the first time in years, their questions about the future began to be answered.

“We hope it will be great,” he said. “Because we are safe and treated equally here.”

Despite the safety and opportunities he’s found in Canada, he said his heart remains heavy for the community he left behind. He hopes for recognition and peace for the Banyamulenge people — a Congolese minority group that continues to face violence in South Kivu.

“We are blessed to be in Canada,” he said. “But sometimes we are sad because our community is still not recognized as Congolese. We still regularly hear stories of family and friends being killed.”

As we observe World Refugee Day this year, his story reminds us of the strength it takes to start over — and the role we can play in welcoming those in search of peace in their new home here in Canada.