From Congo to Canada: Gaston Mabaya's Journey of Community Building
Long-Time LMLIP Member Reflects on Years of Fostering Integration in London
Gaston Mubaya's photo for the 2023 'I Am London' Campaign
When Gaston Mabaya arrived in Canada from the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1999, he brought a PhD in Fibre Optics and a vision for community building. Little did he know that his journey would lead him to become a vital member of the London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership (LMLIP) for much of its 15-year history.
"My commitment to LMLIP activities has remained constant from the day I joined the Central Council until my departure at the beginning of 2024," Mabaya reflects1. This dedication stems from his unique perspective as an immigrant who, while fluent in French and English and familiar with Western culture from his studies in Belgium, witnessed firsthand the challenges his children faced in adapting to their new home.
Mabaya's personal journey mirrors the diverse immigrant experience in London. As a former Dean of Engineering at the University of Kinshasa, he chose Canada for its peaceful nature and opportunities. His transition was smooth, but he saw his children struggle with language barriers and cultural differences. Despite these initial hurdles, including winter bus commutes for the family, Mabaya's children thrived, with all of them eventually graduating from Western University.
Over the years, Mabaya has witnessed LMLIP's growth and impact firsthand. He proudly states, "LMLIP's great success has been its ability to create activities that unite all partners involved in the immigration and integration process of newcomers."2 This collaboration has been vital to changing perceptions about immigration in the region.
Mabaya's contributions extend far beyond LMLIP. He is the former President of the Canadian-Congolese Cultural Association and continues to closely follow its activities. He has also served as Executive Director of L'Association Canadienne Française en Ontario London-Sarnia and held positions on several boards. Mabaya served as a Permanent Deacon at The London North Central Family of Parishes, including St. Josephine Bakhita, St. Michael's, and St. Peter's Basilica Cathedral in London, retiring from active ministry in February 2024. His efforts were recognised with a 10-year volunteer service award from the Province of Ontario.
Looking to the future, Mabaya envisions continued growth for LMLIP. "My hope is that LMLIP can continue its activities by relying on its five-year plan and a well-informed and committed Council, "3 he says. He emphasises the importance of respect among partners and strong support from the Central Council as crucial to LMLIP's ongoing success.
For Mabaya, LMLIP is more than an organisation. "For me, LMLIP means a platform for reflection, gathering, and promotion of immigration and newcomer integration issues, "4 he explains. This perspective has driven his tireless work fostering understanding and integration in London's diverse community.
As LMLIP celebrates its 15th anniversary, Gaston Mabaya's journey is a powerful testament to the organisation’s impact and the vital role immigrants play in shaping a vibrant, inclusive London.
Footnotes
[1] Translated from French: "Mon engagement aux activités de LMLIP est resté constant depuis le jour de mon entrée au Conseil (Central Council) jusqu'à mon départ au début de l'année 2024."
[2] Translated from French: "La grande réussite de LMLIP est d'avoir été capable de créer des activités qui unissent tous les partenaires impliqués dans le processus d'immigration et d'intégration de nouveaux arrivants."
[3] Translated from French: "Mon espoir est que LMLIP puisse continuer ses activités en s'appuyant sur son plan quinquennal et un Conseil bien informé et engagé."
[4] Translated from French: "Pour moi, LMLIP signifie une plateforme de réflexion, de rassemblement et de promotion des questions de l'immigration et d'intégration de nouveaux arrivants."