Future architect wins one of the biggest scholarships in local history BY LIZ AND GERRY BRACH
In 2018 Useni Mgeni left Africa on a journey to a far-away and unknown destination: Powell River, British Columbia. How would he and his four siblings be received? What opportunities would he have of fulfilling his dream to attend university? What would life be like? So much was unknown. Upon his arrival, he and his family were welcomed by members of Hands Across the Water Refugee Sponsorship Group. One of the first questions the children asked was, “When can we start school?” Within two days of his arrival, Useni was attending classes at
Brooks Secondary. Even though English was not his first language it was not long before Useni was thriving at school. “One of Useni’s first involvements in Powell River was through soccer,” remembers Brooks’ athletic director Tony Rice. “He was a member of the highly successful Powell River Panthers youth team and the Brooks Thunderbirds school team. His efforts and infectious positive outlook gave him a great platform to build solid relationships with teammates, peers, and coaches. It has been very rewarding to see Useni and his family and the entire community embrace the opportunities that have come about.” In June, three years after his arrival in Canada, Useni will graduate and his prospects look very bright. He has been working Photo by Sean Percy
Powell River Living • June 2021 •
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