AFRICAN-CARRIBEAN GROUP NEWSLETTER OF ST.

PAUL STUDENTS, OTTAWA/ GROUPE AFRICAINECARRIBEENS DES ETUDIANTS DE ST PAUL, OTTAWA.

NEWSLETTER FOR FALL, 2016.
St. Paul University Student Association, Ottawa,
Guigues Hall room 50, 223 Main Street, Ottawa ON K1S
V O L U ME

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20 16

The purpose of this newsletter is to provide information on the African-Caribbean Group of St. Paul Students.
This is our first edition and we are very delighted to make this available to the St. Paul University Students.
We hope that you may discover our vision, mission and objectives so that you may join us as we contribute in
making St. Paul University a spiritual, human ,open and engaged environment which we consider a home.

EDITOR IN CHIEF;

GEORGE
NCHUMBONGA
It is my pleasure to
introduce to you the
African-Caribbean
Group
Newsletter
for Fall 2016. The
aim of the newsletter is to inform new
students about the
free
opportunities
offered at St Paul
University and to
account for the activities carried out
last academic year.
We hope you find it
useful as you experience life in this
lovely St Paul University which we all
call a home. Yours
sincerely, George
Nchumbonga Lekelefac, Editor in
Chief of the AfricanCaribbean Groupnewsletter, Ottawa.

The African-Caribbean Group of St. Paul Students was privileged to welcome His Excellency Nicholas
Coghlan, Canadian Ambassador to South Sudan at St. Paul University on the 4th of March, 2016.

PREFACE BY MARIE MALTAIS, DI- PRFACE PAR MARIE MALTAIS,

RECTOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL DIRECTRICE DU BUREAU INTEROFFICE OF ST PAUL UNIVERSITY. NATIONAL, UNIVERSITY ST PAUL.
The African-Caribbean Group is a great addition to Saint Paul University. Under the energetic leadership of George Nchumbonga, this
group made quite an impact on campus with
their activities, social connections, enthusiasm,
celebrations and support to all students of our
St. Paul University. The group was instrumental in creating networking opportunities and
enhancing student life at Saint Paul University.
Thank you for the human investment and long
life to all the groups.

Le Groupe Africain-Caraibes est un atout indniable lUniversit Saint-Paul. Sous lnergique direction de George Nchumbonga, ces
groupes ont eu un effet des plus positifs au
niveau de la vie universitaire de par les activits, les liens, les clbrations mis en uvre mais
aussi de par lenthousiasme et lappui dont ils
ont fait preuve et ce envers tous les tudiants.
Ce groupe a avrs une vraie amlioration de la
vie tudiante sur le campus et un renforcement
assur du point de vue du rseautage et de lentraide. Un investissement important de capital
humain. Merci et longue vie tous ces groupes.

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MESSAGE FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER OF THE

AFRICAN-CARRIBEAN GROUP OF ST PAUL STUDENTS, OTTAWA
It is with great delight that I introduce and present to you this edition of the newsletter of the
African-Caribbean Group of St Paul students. Ottawa. My name is George Nchumbonga Lekelefac. I am the founder and interim president of this group with almost 100 members including
members from other continents. Membership is free and open to all with no discrimination of nationality. This group was officially authorized by the St Paul University Student Association on the 23 of
October, 2015.
La vision est ddi la construction d'une voix unie dans laquelle tous les tudiants d'origine
africaine et des Carabes peuvent favoriser la collaboration, l'harmonie, le respect, la paix entre eux,
et de travailler un environnement scolaire sain. Nous prvoyons une institution universitaire o les
tudiants d'origine africaine et des Carabes sont unis pour toutes les questions, et ont des relations saines, les ralisations culturelles et ducatives, et les moyens de mener une vie prospre et
panouissante.
Our mission is to contribute to help university students of Afro-Caribbean descent on the following questions: adjustments to university, selecting the right courses, in fraternal solidarity. We
have a duty to act with urgency and commitment in supporting students, especially those of Saint
Paul University who need help in their academic fields and in promoting their culture.
Enfin, notre objectif comprend: 1) Fournir des ressources universitaires pour aider les Africains et les tudiants des Carabes se
runissent avec l'excellence intgrale (intellectuelle, humaine, spirituelle et l'aspect de la mission 2) aspect culturel en identifiant la
culture africaine et antillaise, manifester et promouvoir l'Universit St. Paul dans des occasions et des vnements tels que les
ftes nationales des diffrents pays d'Afrique et des Carabes, jour des Graduation, jour de nouveaux arrivants, Journe de l'Afrique,
des festivals des Carabes, la fte du Canada, Nol et jour de l'an, en plus de participer des activits d't. Nous encourageons
galement l'unit et le dialogue entre les diffrentes religions. Finally we organise seminars and conferences to educate and update
our members on thier culture so that they do not forget it while in Ottawa.
For more information on free registration as a member, do not hesitate to contact: (nchumbong@yahoo.com). Thank you very
much and please enjoy your reading. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
Sincerely yours, George Nchumbonga Lekelefac (President and Founder of the African-Carribean Group of St. Paul Students.

African-Caribbean Group of St Paul Students Inauguration Party at St Paul University, 27th of April, 2015. G104
G104 was packed with many people.

MARIE MALTAIS RECIEVES AWARD FROM GROUP FOR HER

MOTHERLY SUPPORT TO THE GROUP. WE WILL MISS YOU
AND YOUR NICE CAKE MOTHER MARIE AS YOU RETIRE.

Michelle Veilleux WHO IS THE NEW DIRECTOR FOR INTERNA. OFFICE.

We welcome

GUEST SPEAKERRETIRED AMBASSADOR LOUIS GUAY RECIEVES RECOGNI.

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ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY THE GROUP IN THE 2015-2016

Visit of the Canadian Ambassador to South Sudan His
Excellency Ambassador Nicholas Coghlan to our Group.
On the 4th of March, 2016, the African-Carribean group was
delighted to welcome His Exce. Nicholas Coghlan to St. Paul
University where he delivered a conference on Reflections on
the politcal situation and his assessment of where the IGAD
Political Solution Document is possibly going. He enlightened
us on where Canada stands and what Canada is doing in and
for South Sudan. His visit was in accord to one of our objectives in our constitution article IV no. 8 which states; to organize discussion forums, seminars). The event was made possible by the collaboration between the African-Caribbean
Group of St Paul Students and Prof. Tag Elkhazin of the Institute of Africa Studies at Carleton University.
First African Mass celebration at St Paul's University,
Ottawa.
History was made at St. Paul
University on the 23rd of
February at the first ever
African Mass celebration. The
Mass was celebrated by Fr.
Andrzej Jastrzebski OMI,
PhD. Chaplain of Pastoral
Service of St. Paul University
concelebrated by Fr. Francis
Ndey
(Cameroon),
Fr.
Olivier Vierilo (Cameroon)
and Fr.
Jean
Pierre.
(Cameroon). The Rector of
St. Paul University, Dr. Chantal Beauvais was present at
the celebration. The Mass
was animated by the African Caribbean group choir of St
Paul's students. It was celebrated on the occasion of the
Black History Month.

Celebration of the Black History Month at St Paul

CELEBRATION OF THE BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The African-Caribbean Group of St. Paul Students collaborated
with the St Paul's Students Association in the organization of the
black History month at St. Paul University. Our guest speaker was
Prof. Pius Ademasi, Director of the African Institute of Carleton
University, Ottawa. During the ceremony, awards were given by
the St Paul Students association to the following students for
their great initiatives and leadership qualities; George
Nchumbonga, Orchidee Ines, Ishmael Charles, Aneze Blaise,
and Prof. Buuma Buuma PhD.

The African-Caribbean Group of St Paul's Students receives replies from some African Embassies in Ottawa on friendship ties and Collaboration.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT THE GROUP.

1. Congratulations for this initiative. This is a very exciting opportunity for our students. Blessings! Dr.
Chantal Beauvais, Rector of St Paul University, Ottawa. , 3rd of March, 2016 and 20th April, 2016.
2. The African-Caribbean Group is a great addition to Saint Paul University. They bring to light the rich
diversity and unity of the student population in getting to know each other through sharing of knowledge
and celebrating their cultures. I wish them all the very best in their current and future activities as they
enrich student experience. Vivianne Khayat, Registrar, Office of Admission, Registrar and Student
Services, St. Paul University, Ottawa.
3. The African-Carribean Group at the USP has contributed a lot to the quality of our life and helps us to
grow in our awareness of multicultural dimension of our university community. One of the most appealing
examples of this process was a special liturgy held in our university chapel on the occasion of the Black
History Month which was celebrated on the 23 of February, 2016 at the University Chapel. On that day we
could experience the richness of the expression of faith professed in the liturgical action inspired and
ministered by the people of Africa coming from different countries of this exceptional continent. As
Pastoral Services we are very thankful to the African Group for their contribution to our life and mission in
the University. We hope that this initiative will be continued in the future. Blessing to you + Andrzej
Jastrzebski OMI, PhD. Aumonier/Chaplain Service de Pastorale, Saint Paul University.
4. La vie tudiante sur le campus est une composante importante pour ses tudes. Le Groupe Africaine-Caribens des tudiants de Saint-Paul est une organisation o la diversit et linclusion est clbr. Elle permet le partage, ce qui est essentiel
lagrandissement dune communaut. Je suis grandement reconnaissante pour les diffrentes opportunits que
la Socit Africaine et Caribens des tudiants .es de Saint-Paul ont offerte lanne dernire. Jai bien hte de dcouvrir les
vnements pour cette anne! Have a great day, Claudia Beaudry, Staff at Association des tudiants de l'Universit SaintPaul/Saint Paul University Student's Association.

5. The AfricanCaribbean Group at St-Pauls University provides a rich and dynamic environment where
students of all backgrounds can come together to share and learn - and with a better knowledge of other
cultures comes greater openness and understanding between students. I would definitely say that the group
has contributed to the friendly welcoming ambiance at St-Pauls. Monique Clement, Canadian wellwisher.

8. The African-Caribbean Group have shown tremendous amount of involvement by organizing consistent activities, cultural
specific events and dinners at the end of school year. The African-Caribbean group has been a recent group but its numbers
have grown rapidly. During the big part of Black History month, they utilized their strength in numbers to create awareness on
campus. I notice that this group has been successful at engaging at multitude of students and providing medium for students to
socialize and learn at the same time. Mrigank Kaushal, VP internal of St. Paul Student Association.
9. The African-Caribbean Group was a very needed initiative at St. Paul University. For the first time at St. Paul last year,
African-Caribbean students had a safe space to tackle the specific needs and challenges that they encountered. This has been a
great way of creating bridges between this community and other communities to create a more inclusive student body. Lydie
Honorine Ujeneza, Emeritus VP internal of SPUSA.

6. I believe that the African-Carribean group brings a sense of diversity to Saint-Paul University. They
are part of the reason why many of our students can call our campus "home". I also believe our students
greatly appreciate having a group of people they can relate to and share the knowledge and history they
have in common. On that note, I wish that our students continue to join groups that are important to the
blossoming of their culture. It is with great initiative like these that we are able to diminish cultural barriers.
Sbastien Larocque, President of the St. Paul Student Association.
7. The African -Caribbean Students Association is the largest student-led organization on the Saint Paul
University campus, and when I see how much its members have accomplished together in the past year I
am at once very proud and very humbled. It speaks to how our university has drawn together students from
all over the world, and in so doing it encourages them to better understand who they themselves are. Our
university is a place where we strive to foster diversity while cultivating common values and this group is
that aspiration in action. Mr. Steve Zytveld, Emeritus President of St Paul Student Association.