Future architect wins one of the biggest scholarships in local history

BY LIZ AND GERRY BRACH

In 2018 Useni Mgeni left Africa on a journey to a far-away and unknown destination: Powell River, British Columbia.

How would he and his four siblings be received? What opportunities would he have of fulfilling his dream to attend university? What would life be like? So much was unknown.

Upon his arrival, he and his family were welcomed by members of Hands Across the Water Refugee Sponsorship Group. One of the first questions the children asked was, “When can we start school?”

Within two days of his arrival, Useni was attending classes at Brooks Secondary. Even though English was not his first language it was not long before Useni was thriving at school.

A PANTHER AND A THUNDERBIRD: Useni Mgeni has been a valuable member of soccer teams at his school and through the PRYSA. He has also shown “academic readiness, resilience, grit, empathy and creativity,” which is why he won the Beedie.

“One of Useni’s first involvements in Powell River was through soccer,” remembers Brooks’ athletic director Tony Rice. “He was a member of the highly successful Powell River Panthers youth team and the Brooks Thunderbirds school team. His efforts and infectious positive outlook gave him a great platform to build solid relationships with teammates, peers, and coaches. It has been very rewarding to see Useni and his family and the entire community embrace the opportunities that have come about.”

In June, three years after his arrival in Canada, Useni will graduate and his prospects look very bright. He has been working part-time for the last two years to earn money for his post-secondary education. This past winter he applied for several scholarships and in mid-May he received “the call” informing him that he had won a scholarship valued at $40,000!

The Beedie Luminaries Scholarship is a unique program comprised of social-profit leaders who believe that levelling the playing field in education can change the world. It certainly will change Useni’s world! Until he had received the news, Useni thought that he would have to delay his education and work a year to help pay for his first year of studies.

Not only will this award make attending university this fall possible, but the award also comes with added benefits including access to Beedie Luminaries events, student support, peer support groups, mentors, and summer paid internship opportunities.

To qualify for this scholarship, Useni had to provide letters of support from teachers and community members. The scholarship is aimed at helping BC students who are facing financial adversity and who also show academic readiness, resilience, grit, empathy, and creativity.

One of his teachers, Kim Leech wrote of Useni: “He is a fantastic student! He always comes to class with a cheery smile and an upbeat demeanor. Useni is an extremely hard worker who never fails to help others and is always ready to learn.”

Useni came to Canada not knowing what the future would hold for him. Here in Powell River, he found friends, a home, and people who genuinely care for him and his family. He found people who were willing to support him in becoming the person he was meant to be.

Another of his teachers, Suzanne Burbidge said, “Useni is a very special member of two families: Brooks and, of course, his own… probably his work, church, and sport ‘families’ in Powell River claim him as their own, too. We are all so proud of him. He is truly a ‘renaissance man,’ as he is smart, athletic, kind, and humble. His scholarship win has been a revitalizing tonic to months of pandemic news.”

There is an African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Useni is thankful that Powell River is his village. “I just can’t explain how grateful I am to everyone. This should really help me to pursue my dream of becoming a civil engineer or architect.”

Useni is such a well deserving person and we wish him all the best as he embarks on his next journey in September.