Gabsia Nyoungkam
WHO Gabsia Nyoungkam ROLE Public relations co-ordinator, Cameroonian Association of Hamilton
Q: What do you do?
A: I’m the former president of the Cameroonian Association and presently I am the public relations person for the association. I locate ways we can give back and relationships we can gain and then take it back to the association. Q: What is the favourite thing about your role?
A: My favourite thing is encouraging my members to give back and the fulfilment of giving back and being welcome. Over the course of my duty as the president of the Cameroonian Association,
I was contacted to give some input in how to develop some of the recreational areas in Hamilton. I talked about Durand Park. I feel so fulfilled any time I pass by there, and the work that has been done, how the park has been improved. I feel that our contribution as an association in Hamilton is payback. Q: Why is it important for the association to give back? A: In human nature, it’s always good to give. That’s what I have witnessed and I have placed that in my members. Q: When did you come to Hamilton? A: I came to Hamilton April 13, 2011 from Cameroon. Q: What do you like about Hamilton?
A: They’re welcoming of strangers. When I came to Hamilton I didn’t know anyone so I was directed to Good Shepherd. From there, I walked out of Good Shepherd, and I was walking around the city looking for the nearest church. The nearest church that I found was Stewart Memorial Church. When I read the history of Stewart Memorial Church, I was like wow. God has planned it. I was cushioned by Stewart Memorial Church with my settlement. I have not settled, settled yet. I’m still struggling with immigration
for my citizenship. My community service is the cushion. Q: What is the city’s greatest asset?
A: The homeless population has decreased in terms of settlement and in terms of the way the city is taking care of the homeless and people with mental disabilities because those are a part of my key interest. We still have a lot of things to do but they’re doing a fabulous job. Q: What is the city’s greatest challenge?
A: Abuse, crime, mental health and integration of youth. Q: If your organization could accomplish one thing in 2018, what should it be?
A: Our goal is to harmonize and make our children feel welcome, feel settled. Q: What goal do you have for yourself? A: I want to run as a city councillor. Q: Why do you want to do that? A: I love to give back. I love to be a nation builder.
“I feel that our contribution as an association in Hamilton is payback.” GABSIA NYOUNGKAM