By Ian Holmes

‘Mistreated’ epileptic African refugee resettling to Nanaimo

Apr 6, 2018 | 6:18 PM

NANAIMO — A young man on his own and considered an outcast at his African refugee camp will soon start a new life in Canada with proper support.

Members of the Neighbourhood Church in Nanaimo quickly coordinated efforts in February to accept 20-year-old Bonaventure Mwela, who has epilepsy.

Natasha Friesen, a Neighbourhood Church refugee committee member, said they were drawn to Mwela’s case. His mother died a year ago, he has no allies and is vilified by members of his current camp in rural South Africa for his condition. 

“They believe that he is possessed by demons when he’s having a seizure,” Friesen said. “He is an outcast and is mistreated because they see it as something other than medical.”

The effort is deeply personal for Friesen, as her 20-year-old son also has epilepsy. 

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“My son has all of the support he needs to be successful in life and this young man is alone,” Friesen told NanaimoNewsNOW. 

The committee worked hard to arrange the substantial backing Mwela will need in Canada and were concerned it couldn’t be arranged in time. 

Friesen said those concerns quickly evaporated when room-and-board style housing and medical support for Mwela came together “remarkably” in two hours.

Travis Barbour, the Neighbourhood Church associate pastor and refugee committee member, said Immigration Canada ruled Mwela’s case is urgent and he’s in desperate need of resettlement.

Barbour said Mwela, who speaks some English, will arrive in Nanaimo within the next few weeks. He’ll be supported financially for one year through the blended sponsorship program between the federal government and private groups.

Barbour said it’s reassuring to bring Mwela to Nanaimo, which has proven to be extremely welcoming to refugees.

“Whether that’s through (being) a good neighbour if one moves in close to you…striking up a friendship or providing free English tutoring, there’s all kinds of ways I’ve watched people get involved. It’s absolutely tremendous.”

The Neighbourhood Church also brought a family of four from Erriteria in January 2016. Barbour said their congregation continues to have a relationship with the family and they’re doing well.

Ian@NanaimoNewsNow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes