Where are you from?
My Name is Tuunganwe Felix, and I’m from Democratic Republic of Congo.
What brought you to Cleveland?
I left my country in 1999 to go to to the Lugufu Refugee Camp in Tanzania. I got my first job and worked as Refugee Food Committee President for 8 months and then found another position with CORD (Christian Outreach Relief and Development ) working as Social Worker. After multiple social problems, in 2003 I left Tanzania and went to the Mozambique Refugees camp Called Maratane, to start new life. Here I worked agriculture activities until getting a job with World Vision International,i worked in SGBV(sexual gender based violence) Department in coordination with UNHCR to support refugees in the local integration program. In 2010 I had my resettlement case opened and I came to the USA. I came through Houston Texas and after 6 months I moved to Cleveland.
What were your first thoughts about coming to America?
The opportunity to be in this country and Cleveland could change my life.
What challenges did you face as an immigrant transitioning here?
As an Immigrant, I had two big challenges; talking English and understanding American culture.
What is your occupation?
I’m a caseworker at US Together.
How have Clevelanders made you feel welcome?
Clevelanders have made me very happy and made me feel welcomed for a lot of reasons. Most of them understand my status as immigrant, there is no difference in treatment for job opportunities between immigrant to Americans Citizen.
What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?
I still practice my tradition though American’s customs
What do you love about Cleveland?
I really love Cleveland’s weather and helping those who do not speak english.
What is the best thing about living in Cleveland?
The best thing living in Cleveland is multicultural community.
Why is it important to make Cleveland a more welcoming community?
Welcoming refugees and immigrants is very important because they contribute to the development of Cleveland and Ohio in general.
How can Cleveland be a more welcoming community?
Learn more about refugee and immigrants cultures, create a good approach for their arrivals and supporting different community initiatives through their development projects.
