Young African On The Move Gerard Amani Talks Community Leadership & New Book

Hello readers! It has been awhile and don’t worry I have been working to make sure I bring someone really special to Young Africans on the Move. I think I did not disappoint with this next interview.

Today I decided to choose someone who does not fit into any particular box of professions. His commitments are varied, it would not be fair for me to label him as any one thing; I will let him do the talking. However, I chose Mr. Gerard for his active participation in the Diaspora, he founded a nonprofit organization which empowers the youth and provides them tools to become active in the community. Gerard is a former refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, his family left when he was very young. His family then migrated to South Africa, then to Canada where he currently resides.

His experiences as a refugee fueled his passion to help others. From there, he has gone on to publish his first book “Young Leaders in Action”. I call Gerard Amani my very active young African, but don’t take my word for it. Read on.

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Name: Gerard Mutabazi Amani
Age: 24
Origin: Uvira, DR Congo
Occupation: Student/Community Leader
Educational background: BBA in Management

1) What is your background story?
My family and I left Congo at an early age as refugees and I spent my teen years in Cape Town, South Africa. We immigrated to Canada in 2008. Ever since arriving in Canada, I have been very active in the community. I am a former Ambassador of NorQuest College where I finished my High School Education. I was also part of the students’ association as a councilor. I just finished my second year BBA in Management and have two more years to go. I find my joy in volunteering, attending youth conferences, and being helpful to humanity.

2) Describe yourself in 3 words
There are many words which could describe me, but since you ask for three, here they are.

Determined: I believe that with hard work and true determination, all is possible.

Respectful: In everything I do, whether school, work, home, or volunteering, I respect all people equally. I treat people the way I would love to be treated and respect starts with me.

Generous: I believe that my calling in this world is to help humanity and do my part in making the world a better place. I love helping people and I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. I do my best to love others and give until it hurts.

3) Who is your favorite person in history and why?
I do not have just one favorite person, but there are so many of them. For example, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, Patrice Lumumba, Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, Julius Nyerere and many more. All these people are part of my inspiration to keep reaching for the best in life. Mother Teresa stands out because she loved and cared for those less fortunate than herself.

4) What is your favorite thing about being Congolese?
Even though I left Congo at an early age, I do have full pride in being Congolese. I love and take pride in being Congolese because of Patrice Lumumba and what he stood for. He believed in the future of Congo and Africa in general. My desire is to one day return to Congo and join forces with others in working together for the benefit of Congo. When I see how my people continue to suffer, I continue to pray for a better future and hope to contribute.

5) You are President of the non-profit Diaspora African Youth Union, tell us about it.
Diaspora African Youth Union was made possible by passionate young people who wanted to change their lives and also transform Africa. Part of our goal is to come together and take pride in being Africans. We are calling for the unity of Africans, starting with its youths. We have a great desire to see Africans unite and work together for a better future for our motherland. We do events within the community and also connect with other youth leaders in Africa. You can find us on Facebook and on Twitter @DiasporaAYU.

6) What were some of the challenges you faced in starting and how did you overcome them?
Some of the challenges we faced in starting this organization involved finding committed people in order to progress. We all knew that we were passionate about our motherland and wanted the best for everyone. The challenges are always present, but we stay focused in continuing the awesome work.

7) Who were some of the influential people in your life that helped shape you?
The most influential person in my life is my mom and she has helped shape me in so many ways. My mom is a huge part of the work I do, to keep going. She’s sacrificed so much and continues to do so in order for me to reach for the best, the life that I desire. She’s why I am an advocate for the empowerment of women because when women are empowered, it is a progress for all.

8) What were some personal challenges and triumphs of yours?
As a former refugee, I faced many challenges such as lack of food, clothes, school, and personal needs. I have worked hard to ensure my life is being transformed for the better. Since arriving in Canada, being in school has been a huge part of overcoming the challenges I faced and I continue being determined to ensure I don’t go back to the poverty line.

9) Congratulations on your new book ‘Tavrida 2014: Young Leaders in Action: Shaping the Future’. What is your book about?
In August of 2014 I had the honor and opportunity to travel to Russia for a youth mission and I was so excited and couldn’t wait. The conference took place in Crimea and it was very challenging to leave Canada because of Russia and Ukraine issues. There were many questions at the airport and I was starting to get scared that I’d not be allowed to travel to Russia. After about 15 minutes of hard questions about why I was travelling to Russia and security officials searching my bags, I was allowed to travel.

I had kept a journal throughout the 10 days (August 10-20th, 2014) of the conference and also wrote down the conversation with the Border Officer at Edmonton’s International Airport. I was inspired to share with the world my experiences at the conference and the importance of community activism. The book talks about the conference in Russia in great detail, my journey and some hopes and dreams for the future. This is a great read for young people and many adults too have had positive comments.

10) What does 5 years look like for Mr. Gerard?
5 years from now I would already have earned my BBA in Management, continue to live a healthy and happy life and hope to be travel around the world for missions. My personal desire is to continue doing humanitarian work, community development, and help transform many lives for the best. I want to continue being helpful to humanity.

11) Any advice you want to share with young people or our readers in general?
Stay true to yourself and don’t forget where you come from.

Gerard’s book is available on Amazon
Twitter: Twitter.com/AmaniGerard

Samy TshimangaSamandu Tshimanga, who goes by Samy, is a college graduate from Indiana University South Bend with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Sociology. She loves the study of people. She is a freelance analyst and talks about politics, human rights and whatever else floats her boat. Her column Young Africans On The Move with Samy showcases exceptional young people making a difference in the community and in their countries back in Africa. Originally from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Samy currently resides in Indianapolis. Twitter: @chic_cocobelle

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