From Chika💛 Thank you so much everyone for your kind words. Thank you Lynn Ngugi for this opportunity accorded to me. May God bless you and your team. Just wanted to answer a few questions I saw. First, this is my personal life story, it does NOT mean this will be the same case for you or others. If you get an opportunity to immigrate to Canada, take it. Ensure to make an informed decision that is best for you. Remember, the grass is GREENER where you water it. Second, many of you have reached out to me saying you are going through some mental health challenges, I strongly recommend that you seek professional help. Please reach out and talk to someone. We still need you here. I pray that God preserves you in whatever storm you are facing. Lastly, I am not able to sponsor or invite anyone to Canada. If you would like to contact me or get my hair products/hair coaching services, my details are: Instagram page: @okerekechika Email address: lorrychika@gmail.com
Your testimony in full if strange tongues and yet you the world to hear you. What's that?. I advice that this channel be restricted to your home county people only, because is disgusting mixing English and your language her you want people all over the world.
@philips musa you can't even construct a grammatically correct sentence, but you're requesting for the interview to be done in a singular language. Not to mention, your use of the word "disgusting" is misplaced.
@@philipsmusa6296 swahili is a popular language all over Africa and even me living in USA can understand all the words because of my African background(Im not Kenyan). Lynn will keep her show for the world to see and we will subscribe & like. If you dont like the "strange language" you can ignore the videos on you feed.
Been in Europe for 27 years and when Covid struck I packed and moved back home 🇰🇪 from flight attendant and a law student, now am a hydroponics farmer In Bondo, and yes life abroad is no joke but now I feel freedom living on my farm and not missing the rat race, racism, feeling in adequate and not worthwhile. ❤️ lynn
@@brigidmua2548 yapppp tax tax tax and more tax and window shopping at the super market coz everything is damn expensive😂but it’s a learning experience and I took everyday as a lesson and the reason why God chose me to take this path and now my exit plan after all these years and not to regret any minute ❤️❤️🇰🇪
I love what your guest has said, you never know who you will meet.I finished college as a young woman,didn't get a job and started working as helper in a dental clinic, washing toilets, sterilisation, messenger, washing the patient bibs it was a very filthy job. God brought a young dentist to do some part time there and he fell in love with me as I was working faithfully in my job as I was waiting for TSC to absorb me as a qualified teacher. Long Story short, we got married in our 20s and we have built our lives beautifully together now 15 years. We thank God. Never despise the days of small beginnings says the Lord.
When you come to Canada study any course in the healthy system or hands on jobs like plumbing, welding these are good paying jobs. I was a banker back home when i came here i studied nursing and i will never regret coming to Canada. I am having good life with my family. I thank God for giving wisdom.
After listening to this lady, I now appreciate and love my husband even more. He has worked so hard in a very short time and we have achieved a lot, he has given up so much just to provide for us.
Hmmm people back home in Africa only call you when they want money. Their conversation goes straight to telling you their problems and all their problems need money to be solved. They never ask how you are or how you are coping in the foreign country, they don’t even want to listen to the hardships you are going through. Very selfish and uncaring people.They automatically think that we people in diaspora don’t have problems but the truth is most people back home have a more relaxed life compared to us in the diaspora. Talk about cleaning, I came to the UK when I was 18yrs and I worked in the meat factory. Very cold place and you have to pack that meat at a very fast speed otherwise you loose the job. I really struggled.Thank GOD I managed to go for further studies and I have a very good job now.
I love this. I'd advice anyone who wants to go abroad to listen to this experience; not to discourage you, but just to make sure that going abroad is what you want. I was so excited coming to canada until I landed and realised no one prepared me for what was ahead. Big up to Africans who diaspora has become their home. Anyone who has gone to diaspora and come back home is NOT a failure.
An Burundi account accountant who was working for international organizations became a cleaner at a hospital in the United States of America. Most of degrees make no sense abroad.
This lady spoke the pure truth, life in Diaspora is not a bed of roses, there are so many challenges to deal with. Thanks for sharing, Lynn Ngugi thanks for featuring this lady in your platform.
Please dont be deceived by what people say sometimes, its their choices. I had my degree from home and i got another one when i get here in the same canada she is talking about. And today, by the grace of God, i have one of the most prestigious job here. Sometimes, people make wrong choices and they come online to discourage people. We should be positive influences on ourselves
Liz Josh what do you mean deceived?! Are you saying she's lying?! She's telling her story her truth if you had a different experience good for you but don't use it to invalidate other people! The reality is not everyone's life is smooth sailing in diaspora. You had a degree she didn't & she had to do what she had to do to get herself & her brother through school& ofc now that she has her degree her job prospects are way better. Listen to learn not to critique buaaa 😡
It's true what she us telling it's not roses abroad when you come you dont get the same job you had home you have to start somewhere like Scandinavia you have to learn their language for 1 year before going to the next step and people have to do odd jobs to survive it takes time to settle to what you want those who cant cope gets frustreted and have it tough. Our people at home should be patient with us and mot think that money comes from trees here abroad its very expensive and we have to work hard and help. I like what dhe says people at home should be checking on us and help us as well not only one sided. Thank you very much wish you all the best. God bless you thank you Lynn❤❤🙏🙏
I live in a small town in lethbridge and kids from a comfortable backgrounds struggle alot they don't imagine cleaning or doing odd jobs. If you have lived in Kenya with your degree for four years without a job, you will appreciate every dollar you get. I love Canada, I will make it here!
Amen...I totally agree...watu wale hawakuwai kula shida home..they have a hard time huku majuu...lakini if you struggled in Kenya...you never imagine ati you will be going back to that struggle life ya home...🤣...ni ku kaa ngumu...
Me am doing the same with my white colleagues by the way only we africans down grade these jobs most whites do these jobs apart from the main jobs for extra cash.You see somebody parking their car you think is the boss so she's coming for that ka cleaning job!Just by the way these cleaning jobs can be well paying some you are free on weekends on holidays and some companies have summer vacation and you don't have a boss breathing down ur kneck.You do ur job after office hrs and go home bila kusubuana na watu but everything has its challenges.
@@mwendapoleee Very true. We Africans do not get it. There is no such thing as an inferior job. I understand that in Norway where almost everyone is educated, these so called small toilet cleaning jobs are done by graduates and pay very well.
@@mwendapoleee wakenya munapenda sana kuji grade based on wazungu kwa uzungu (mwili mueupe tu). Kwani aki fanya mzungu ni manaake ni kitu safi? Nonsense! Cleaning toilets no kazi chafu! Kazi za watu wachini. Usidanganye watoi wacha wasome to avoid kusafisha mavi na matako za wazee wazungu! Stop it.
@@lemungagenu5103 Every job has its disadvantages sio uzungu ata wazungu pia wanafanya na wanachekelewa ati ni waiters wamakojo !Sisi wote kuna kitu tupendi ata daktari kazi yake sio rahisi,mtu anakuja naugojwa lazima umhudumie,dentist meno imeoza anatengeneza,wakuzalisha,wawanyama,dereva,polisi,atakwa ofisi kuna shida zao na kila mtu akienda kwa kazi nzuri hizo zingine nani atakupaguza matako ?Siku hizi watu wanafanya kazi cùcù atabaki na nani nyumbani?Kila mtu anataka kwenda kwa restuarant na choo ama hoteli swafi lakini tunadharau wenye tunahitaji .Mtoto wangu atafanya kazi yenye itampendeza kama anahudumia wazee ama wangoja ama kiwete yy ndio atajua kuna watu wamejitolea kusaidia wengine awe mzungu ama mwafrika!
Life abroad is tough but once you endure the first few years, things pay off. The culture shock is tough and also childhood traumas emerge and makes life hard but there is hope and more opportunities.
As we struggle to settle in foreign countries, dont forget to be kind to the foreigners in our land. What they go through is exactly what we go through here. It is not easy to settle but once you do, then life is easier. There are some who have made it and are not struggling any more. But I believe we (human beings) all pass through the same challenges when new in any foreign country
Been in Australia for the last 3.5 yrs and I haven't recovered from the culture shock and being a workholic to just meet the basics😭.For the first time in 2019 I fell into depression without the knowledge of it but God has been extremely faithful 🙏
Lived in Australia too but always had in mind to come back home which I did. But the toll on your mental health eishh! It's something people don't understand until they experience it.
Being away from family members is the greatest challenge of living abroad; as things move very fast and adapting to the new lifestyle becomes a continuous challenge. Anyone willing to relocate first; should be mentally prepared, should have at least a degree or diploma with some work experience, and while in the foreign land try to upgrade your education and build networks that will take you back home.
Depends..other countries eg Germany..it's free university, studies done in English too .pay room/insurance. so go study there. If you'd already done it previously, you kind of repeat it.
Same story with me here, working as a maid in gulf. 4yrs in Lebanon but I thank God for this far and he's knowledgeable because this job has removed my family and I from grass to somewhere 🙏though sometimes I ask myself so many questions which I don't get answers
Always remember you're not alone and always focus on what you get at the end of the month and what you've been able to achieve,am impressed by what you've done for your family.
As a kenyan living in Montreal, i understand a lot about what she is saying. Here is my personal observation. Many Kenyans struggle so hard to move abroad- the immigration journey is long and expensive and sometimes just down to luck. So when we succeed we think we have made it but in reality that is the begining of the hustle. So you should be prepared to work just as hard or even harder than you did back home. My friend always says if you were making it back home, then you have a better chance of making abroad but kama ilikuwa ngumu home moving abroad is not a magic trick to make your problems disappear. My second point- Preparation: Immigration is a huge project. You need to prepare well in advance. In Chiki's case, they should have learnt French, got in touch with people who are already living there, Just ask all the necessary questions...It goes a long way. When i moved i already spoke good french(even though i struggled a little at the begining because of the different accent), i had a few friends i had made before moving, i researched the school system, just general information about the people and the culture. I still had to struggle but the resaerch made it easier.
They should have learned French before landing in Quebec or moved to an entirely different province but without proper preparation they won't think of any of this.
I'm originally from Somalia 🇸🇴 and I used to live in Kenya 🇰🇪. Those were happy days. Moved to Canada 🇨🇦 and had similar experience like this girl. It's true, it's not a joke
Tell them sister, people out there work day and night, some of the jobs you would never think of, but you do it to make ends meet, then you send the money back home to help your family and friends who really don't appreciate and misuse and even live a better life than you, then when you get tired and disappointed of helping people who don't want to help themselves, you become their enemy and they start saying unalinga, meanwhile all this time, you live in a shared accommodation with people you don't know as you cannot afford to rent a house by yourself and you do not real friends because you have no social life, sometimes you don't even know your neighbours, some sleep less than 6hours per night running between shifts and classes. So guys please respect hard earned cash sent by people in diaspora, it does not grow from trees. Some people remember their family members and friends only when they need cash, Please 🙏 guys form a habit of calling your people in abroad to genuinely know how they are doing, build a lasting relationship that is not based on cash. Thank you @LynnNgugi for giving her your platform to highlight this problem.
Umenena, abroad pple who support their families back home should be respected , it's a big favour that one is being helped or supported as soon as one will tell them that you want to stop with support to focus on yourself hapo sasa ndivyo utajua kumbe haujui,one will be bullshitted with abuse from exactly the same persons one was supporting with cash they'll even don't want to talk you, abroad pple is true our relatives have no that true love to us ni ya pesa tu, (though not all are like that kuna wale wako very understanding)
@@Parentingwiththefutureinmind families finished whatever I get I remember three weeks ago someone died they asked money from me unfortunately I had 40 cents in my account why I had 40 cents because the families take money from me all the time they don't care if am sick or am ok they don't want to know it am working or not but this 2022 I have made up my mind am going to cut most of them, am living in Brisbane Queensland Australia
As a registered nurse in America, life is no joke, no social life, a lot of mental issues affecting many here, too much burden from back home and just the need to protect yourself from mockery can take a toll on a you. Nothing comes east here, I totally relate to her story, she articulated herself so well and painted the true depiction of life in diaspora. Thank you Lynn for all you do
That’s true, I personally think it’s worse especially when you come from money then all of a sudden it’s no more. When you come from a humble background it’s easier not easy to adapt to change.
Its just a fact that rich kids struggle with odd jobs ,for us we washed toilets in primary and high-school for free ,so imagine us complaining washing them being paid per hour in America 😂
@@chepkoechkatam3664 It is circumstances that make ppl settle for those jobs but there is nothing wrong with wanting a better job. Niliosha choo primary na high school but that is hardly a reason to turn that into a career. No one wakes up excited to go and clean toilets
I love how articulate you were in this video, I live in the Uk and most black people are always regarded as 2nd hand objects, leaving in the western world is no joy when you are black, victimisation and systemic racism are leading! Parents determine who their children play with! Thanks for sharing I can relate 🤠
Thanks for another excellent interview! You and your guest are are two wonderful sisters. Living in any white country or any country that is not majority black (African) can be a big challenge, if not destructive to the psyche. The fact that a black person can survive the traumatic experiences and hold a family together in a foreign country or return to their native land in once piece, is something to celebrate. The West or even Asia is not all about the good life for Africans or people of African ancestry as many people think. The grass is not always greener in these societies. Even if some black people are succeeding in their careers or jobs, that alone is not the measure of a good life. The feeling of being a second class citizen or the feeling of not belonging can lead to a terrible existence. Actually, whether one is in their native country or a foreign country, economic success is just one index of success. Other measures are mental and physical health, having genuine and healthy relationships with family, friends colleagues and neighbours. And not last and not least, a feeling of being respected and treated fairly irrespective of your race or colour. I think that until Africans on the continent and those in the diaspora can develop their own countries economically and maintain a more robust and effective systems of governance and accountability, I guess there will always be the temptation or desire to seek greener grass in other countries even if they are merely tolerated, not welcomed.
Very insightful! The truth is you are only respected and free to a greater extent in your country of origin. Even in fellow African countries, discrimination is rife, you find black Africans treating their fellows from other parts of Africa with disdain and even take pride in killing them or discriminate against them systemically Ultimately, until majority of African countries become self sufficient at the least, these things will never stop.
Am really impressed by this programme for allowing Africans (Kenyans in particular)at home to get a clear picture of what it's like to be African abroad,however there are many Afrcans living their dreams abroad despite the challenges.
I currently live in canada and it's very true life is so hard, I remember I couldn't find a job when I first moved here and I had to do car wash 😫, for now I thank God as he has been faithful so far
Everything she said is absolutely true about Canada. I wish I had heard this sooner. You’re making difference by letting people know ahead of time about their challenges.
Lynn, this makes me very emotional watching. Everyone that lives abroad will agree with me . Once you move abroad you lose the siblings as if you don’t have anything to offer they don’t need you . The only time I get messages or calls from kenya is when school fees is needed or there is a harambee to build a church .
This interviewer is such a beautiful lady she is so respectful of her guest she provided her with a warm welcome and non judgemental setting that is like watching a family that is fill with love and care. The interviewee is humbled and wise. Her stories are like myself and so many of us living here in Canada, who have come and go. However; I realize the ways in which Canada operates may seems evil, but it is absolutely necessary. hence why it is a disciplinary country as it teaches us discipline. Or in other words to obey the rules and laws. Canada is a great place that will humble even the richest/most powerful. It's not easy especially starting out; and definitely doesn't help when you have a bad start because you didn't have any goals, overly ambitious, pride, not flexible/adaptable, and no support/friends and families here. But If you keep going and never give up you can become successful cause there lots of opportunities here. Stay connect to God and be open to receiving your blessings through people, places, and things.
I loved this story from the beginning to the end, i loved the way she told true not hiding anything, she's very simple down to earth. Miss Chika May God bless you and keep you and to you Lynn I always pray for you anytime I see you on TV or think about the good people I have ever seen or met with, God bless you.
This is the reality people are facing abroad, we decide to come abroad in order to place our fate in our own hands. They call it getting out of the comfort zone.and what friends and family back home should know is that the money they think is freely given abroad is actually hard earned, so they better stop making enemies just because they can't extract money from people abroad
Chika is very sincere in this chat with Lynn, it is more challenging and demanding when one travels or stays abroad illegally. One’s status when in abroad will determine how fast and smooth the journey will be, the beauty is that things will eventually fall in place if one doesn’t give up or get distracted. The reasons blacks are treated like that is because the hosts knows home is no go back for most people, they don’t treat some nationals such ways because their country home is good and they are not here out of frustrations. I wish you all the best Chika.
As a Black American , I appreciate this video so much. I go to Ghana , and I try to explain to people that it is better to get something started in Ghana if you have a comfortable lifestyle. People don’t know how hard it is in the West.
Life abroad is definitely no joke. But with persistence, grit, resilience, and a little bit of wisdom, the sky is the limit. I also am African (from Ghana) living in Canada. I also took the loan and got that degree. I also worked odd jobs (including cleaning - everything, toilet included) after my degree. Fast forward 12 years down the line, I work for a great company in IT sales, and own my own business on the side - making great money! Thanks for sharing ur story, but all hope is not lost. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. If only you'd keep pushing!!! Have fun in Kenya, but hope to see you one day on the streets of Toronto (even if just for a visit). Cheers⚘
Lynn I will send you an email, I am working in the gulf and I am yet to tell my story just to encourage someone out there cz working in a foreign land is not for the faint of heart. I thank God for this far.
We Africans abroad, we educate ourselves, get degrees in this n that but when it comes to finding jobs according to our qualifications we get none, instead we ending up cleaning n washing the dishes or working in nursing homes. Sad but true!
@@vanessalaizer4363 I disagree because in America if you go back to their schools & pass their exams you have an equal opportunity of employment. The degrees from Africa most become null & void. At least you can get scholarships, student loans & grants, unlike our home countries.
@@frankie6207 There is always beginning everywhere even in your own home country! Humble beginnings, resilience remain focused, You will definitely climb the ladder! An English-speaking country is even far much a plus!
@@frankie6207 the thing is iam not in America. The country im in, one must first study the language which takes not less than three years. Then you have to start somewhere depends on your currant level of education fr your home country. After that you can choose to find low paid job or study farther, it’s a looong process trust me.
@@Agyotis i agree with you about english-speaking countries being a plus. Otherwise it’s a long way to the destination. To avoid that way, ppl choose to work with anything that comes their way, which is not good at all.
I admire your resilience. No matter how much challenge life throws at you, never contemplate to give up. Lastly congratulations Lynn on your consistency. God bless you.
Jamani eeeh, as someone who is living abroad, ukipata chance ya kukuja huku, Kimbia ukuje. Life here is better compared to Kenya. I come in peace tafadhali.❤
It's also important Ms Lynn how we talk about certain jobs. There is no shame in cleaning toilets and there is no shame if that person never "upgrades" from that job. Our system would collapse if we didn't have amazing women like her working hard in the hospitality industry. Blessing & great interview🙏🏾
Chika, thanks so much and you have nailed it. That's the reality abroad, especially those few months and years. Some people abroad are keeping up appearances, instead of saying the truth to those back home. And some of these our people back home thinks that people abroad are picking money on the floor or plucking from trees, they don't call to check on you, only when they want something. When they call from home, they will ask you, how is work, instead of how are you? May the good Lord help, keep us and grant us our hearts desires, Amen. Lynn, thanks for bringing 'Chika' to come and share her story and educate others.
Came to Canada 2018. Learnt a lot culture shock is big time. With no or limited social life it’s difficult and mental health is real. Being away from family brings tears always
So proud of her for walking the walk, keeping Faith and attaining clarity. I do believe she will do amazing on this next chapter. Thanks Chika for highlighting the challenges abroad. Lynn, your just so warm😍
Studied/worked in Europe for a while but decided to relocate back to Kenya. Truth is, we make it seem like abroad is heavenly!! The picture we paint back home makes people desire that life. BUT few will be candid and really tell you how hard life truly is. Imagine always being aware of your race (that’s something that you really don’t think about whilst in Kenya). The number of times people asked for “connections” to go abroad lol…I”m even seeing that on the comment section here! I remember swearing I’ll never live in Kenya again and even when I moved back, I struggle to really adjust. I’m doing far much better than I did whilst living in Europe
Wow Lynne this was one of the best realities of majuu. One has to start humble, work like a slave. Take in some verbal and non verbal abuse to survive. The lady was on point with reality. Love from Philadephia Pennsylvania.
Hi Lynn! The guest has really put forward alot of truths especially about the expectations and perceptions of people back home regarding those upon us in diaspora. Through experience, this was a few things I personally did to balance out this: 1. Coming here is like being given a clean slate to write a life path you want ( honestly you get a platform to chat and achieve your path, you ought to plan and strategize, the government especially Canadian provides resources for that. 2. Be realistic and understand the fact that skills needed here to get you market ready is different from those at home and you will have to take a little course here and there in addition to your qualifications ( also get education equivalences for your papers)from back home to get you ready for the job 3. More realistic is the fact that you have to realize that you will have to get a job to get you by as you concurrently self improve in terms of skills and training. (The government has very resources to support newcomers integrate better and even provides free trainings in different fields) 4. Patience and knowing what you want and using the resources at your disposal will work perfectly to your advantage 5. Most importantly, be cognizant of the fact that the moment you left Kenya to abroad, most of the folks back home commoditized you, na hakuna kile utafanya. ( ps, 95% of calls/ contacts we receive from home have a price tag) 6. Please remove the social pressure you are getting by just telling people that whatever they are asking ( of course if it’s not a necessity or emergency) you will not provide, Be truthful to yourself and don’t create an impression that you have more than enough to cater for the outrageous demands of people when you actually are still working on yourself. Na sio lazima uoshe choo as a starting job! I have lived and schooled in the same city ( Montreal for 5 years now), it’s a bilingual place and with English you getby just fine. You not necessarily have to do unskilled labour only! With just KCSE cert yako you can work in customer service, administration and other jobs. But the determinant on how long you will stay doing this jobs is yourself!!! Sacrifice a year or two for school and you will never regret it! Ukweli aki ile pressure tunapewanga toka home ni mingi, they expect us to buy land and build skyscrapers every month ( punch line: tangu uende ni mwaka sasa na hujainvest bado, mtoto wa nanii alienda ni miezi tatu sasa na amesimamisha magorofa ya rental pale taoni) I will not bash those at home about that nortion because I too had the same impression before coming here. Equally, since we are making this our permanent home, we try to invest here too ni hayo tu kwa Leo. Mengi baadaye
Lynn I can identify been here in Australia for4yrs,having came from Kenya as a mature hassler,but the only beauty is you are able to put food on table and pay your bills and help back home.So many kenyans back home good education but tarmacking.I thank God.
I live in Canada. I was lucky to immediately get an office job in the same career that I had in Kenya. At first the loneliness was the biggest problem but I went to an event where I bumped into two old schoolmates from Kenya who introduced me to other Kenyans and my life changed overnight. We meet together, eat Kenyan food, drink tea and so on. When you are in Canada, reach out to fellow Kenyans and build your own network to overcome isolation. It took me ten years to feel at home and now I just consider it like my second home. I am sorry for her experience but not all Kenyans are picking strawberries, actually many Kenyans I know have very good jobs in government etc. Go back to school and study and you will be okay eventually. Vumilia...
Life is a journey that sometimes we follow a certain path but the end result is what matter most. You may start well but get afew problems while another starts life very bad but finally things change for the best. Nikuvumilia tu.
Life abroad is not easy.. We live less, uncomfortable and tirelessly working hard to just give our people big life back home. I lost friends in the process... They don't believe you don't have and you're always impeccable when giving. If you give well you're besty if not you're dumped into enemies basket.
And to make the matters worse,those you helped back home,when you happen to come home with nothing,they are the first to laugh at you and talk ill about how you don't know how to plan yourself.
Moving here is not easy. I can remember also being in high school in a small white town, the only african in the whole school. I wanted to give up everyday. I wanted to go back to Kenya so bad. It was hard adjusting.
Thank you Chika for sharing your story and speaking things as they are here in abroad. From my experience,Here in Canada, if you have papers from Kenya or a new immigrant generally, its advisable to send them for assessment first by an international qualification assessment service. This will be a great boost on your resume if its equivalent to that obtained here coz some employers/recruiters are picky when it comes to candidates with foreign qualifications. Papers obtained in recognized institutions in Kenya for example UON are also recognized here.The trick comes in if you pursued a regulated course like Med, engineeering,law, some sciences, accounting etc.For these courses, all immigrants are required to sit for a Canadian examination first in order to get the proper lincensing required to practice. The exams are tough.Some do pass while others fail. Another alternative is for one to go back to school/ start from scratch. You can go back and pursue your course at lower level; a cert or diploma or take a different career path altogether. Another thing to note is that if you have work experience from home you will be better placed than another immigrant whose fresh from college. Having foreign papers with no work experience is quite challenging when starting off. If you have work experience and the course you pursued isnt regular you have higher chances of get a job but you still have to start somewhere, maybe volunteer or do any small job to give you Canadian Work expérience coz employers look at that too. Another big thing that helps alot in getting a better job in this country apart from having some sort of Canadian éducation and work experience is Recommendations. This tops the list of most recruiters. They will go first with the candidate that has been recommended to them by someone they know and trust. You may have a very good job application but if you dont someone working there or someone who knows someone you may end up never hearing from them no matter how qualified you are and no matter who many times you apply. So making connections is Key. Build your connections, show your presence on professional platforms, you may never know who will come across it. Do not spend so much time, year in year out trying to get a job with your foreign credentials.If they arent working for you, put them aside and go back to school if you can. For those coming in on student permits, their experience is way too different altogether
And as Achika said, do not raise your expectations .Things may not work out the way you planned. Start somewhere. Do those odd or transition jobs as they are called here if you have to, as you work towards achieving what you intended.Those jobs do not define you.You know who you are. They will help pay your bills for the meantime as long as you don't get stuck doing them for the rest of your life.They actually pay way much better than most office including some goverment jobs in Kenya. Some of them like house keeping are physically demanding but they are not gross as people may think.
Finally, do your diligent research if you are planning to come over. Have an idea on what you expect. Prepare yourself mentally coz mental health challenges set in when you come over here with very high hopes and expectations then all over sudden you find yourself having to start from scratch, not having a job and struggling with bills or doing some kind of jobs that you have never imagined yourself doing. About Canadian Winter, it is brutal thats for sure. Temperatures go down upto -40Cs but as long as you bundle up to keep warm then you are good to. Buildings, public transit and personal cars are heated so wont freeze while inside.You will only feel cold if you spend time outside for long maybe working or waiting to catch a bus or train. But we are always to bundle up.
I am from South Africa and I live in Canada. This is my advice: If you want to come to Canada, try to get a degree while you are still in Africa. And when you arrive in Canada you can "upgrade" and study either Nursing or Social Work. Canada is always looking for Healthcare workers, and Canada as a Social welfare country, there is always jobs for Social workers. And both these programs you can start them at a local college by getting a certificate, diploma, and eventually a degree. While studying and when you keep getting these qualifications you can get a well paying job. It will be hard but it will be the best decision of your life. Even during the pandemic we in these two professions we continue to work. I always say these to anyone who wants to come to Canada. Why would Canada( or any country for that matter) want to take anyone who is is broke and has no education. I know it sounds harsh but try to improve yourself before you come over.
I think its best to study engineering and come with your engineering or comp science degree. Even IT. Then upgrade. Those jobs pay better than social work. Social work is not as easy job here. There is a high turn over. Please people do engineering courses.
Chika, I loooove your story. I also love that you are telling it as it is. I am from Zambia and I currently live in Ottawa. I have lived in this country since 1991 years, your story is my story and you are telling truth. Thank you for doing this.
That's Canada for you. It's a journey. First it may break you, then it builds you. To do so however from my experience, one cannot quit. I moved to Canada from Jamaica in the early 90s and, quickly found out that one doesn't have to be attending a University alone to get a degree; this country itself is a University.
Move to America 🇺🇸 … We adjust to the American way of life as soon as we get that American Degree 📜 I have been working as a Software Engineer in California for the past twenty years and life is too good in California.
@@kenyandamu There you go. One we're moved out of our homeland and, lived abroad for any considerable amount of time, our outlook on live will become totally different.
Working as a security guard in qatar but i really thank God for everything I can count my blessings through this job ,,,It's really hard especially summer time
Amazing interview on many levels. I watched it twice. I am 61 yr old born and raised in America and have never traveled outside but still could relate to her young life story with all the struggles and uncertainty; Life is difficult and she is an inspiration. I'm thankful for this platform where she is able to share experiences with depression, health issues, adversity and how she fortunately meet a good therapist, learned about the effects of trauma and gained insight. I was going through a great deal of adversity a few years ago when I met a young Kenyan over the internet, he asked me "How are you" and that is how our friendship began. He is amazing young man and if I ever get to travel abroad, I would like to go to Kenya and meet my spiritual son. Amazing.
@@jovonnescott484 Thank you, I really would like to go to Kenya, Uganda and Ghana but really isn't possible as I am grandma now with 5 grandchildren that really need me but you never know. Life is about ups and downs. I pray for all the young people trying to find their way in this big world.
What an amazing story. Please remember that NOTHING is impossible with GOD. I believe that one day you will testify about how He miraculously made it possible for you to travel abroad! All my love from Eswatini 🇸🇿
Good to see more and more diasporans speaking candidly about this issue hopefully more people will give it a good thought and reflection before relocation only when all else fails that they might think the grass is greener on the other side. It might be but it's not always the case. You can make a good life wherever you are.
@@Kittygacha_playz yes many are doing well and many are also suffering let people hear both stories we have heard one sided story for long the ones building magorofa and driving big cars but they also have a story to tell. Stories like this will help people reflect and adjust their expectations when moving abroad. I commend the channels variety. For every story some with connect others will disconnect which is all good but stories must be told.
Kenyans who fail abroad complain too much and they know why they failed and should STOP 🛑 coming back home and giving sad stories. Reasons are as follows: 1. Didn’t have enough funds to sustain their first year of study therefore dropped out of school and fell out of status therefore living illegally in America or Europe and life gets tough after that because they start doing bad jobs like cleaning toilets to survive. 2. Did not complete their Degree and this is worse for the ones who went abroad after high school because these 1st World Countries value Degrees. The ones who come for Masters or PHD can get better jobs even if they dropped out of School rather than the ones who don’t have Degrees at all thus start cleaning toilets. 3. Picked easy Courses that are flooded with Americans and Europeans thus competing with the natives for the same jobs. I have never seen Kenyans who are Engineers or Doctors suffer in America. You also need to register with a State as an Engineer or Doctor or Business student by sitting for State certification exams which you must pass and if not then you end up cleaning toilets. Please pick serious Courses to study when coming to America. 4. Hanging with the wrong crowd thus becoming a felon through drunk driving, weed smoking etc., this will not allow you get a good job at all because all jobs in America require background checks to see if you are a convicted felon of not and if so then you go clean toilets. 5. Partying 🎉 too much and before they know it, their Student VISA has expired and they have no Degree and now they are embarrassed to come back home without a Degree 📜 and so start doing bad jobs like cleaning 🧹 toilets to survive. Just complete your studies comrades and your life will be easy. In a nutshell please follow the laws and AMERICA 🇺🇸 will treat you good.
@@kibindankoi9824 waaaaaaa thank you so much really loving Phrankleen channel I will pass on to others so informative. Loved a comment there 'don't set yourself on fire to warm others'. Much appreciating I will become more financially literate
My Dear Sisters (Lynn & Guest): Beautifully honest sense of life in North America!! I live in the US, a few hours from the Canadian border. Racism is real and the impact of childhood trauma is just as real. I look forward to reaching out to my young sister. Lynn, your haircut looks gorgeous on you. It shows off your beautiful face!! Peace & Blessings.
Kazi ni kazi for sure...I graduated 2018 full of expectations that I will get a job I ended up Hawking in Kitale town and I was very proud of my hustle..even today when someone gives me any kind of job Iam ready to do it ...but I did Journalism and mass communication.❤️❤️❤️
There's nothing like an odd job,any job that earns u money kindly appreciate. Watu huongea as if living a comfortable poor life in Kenya when u r educated is better than being selfless with an aim of changing your economic status,it takes a sacrifice for one to change the cycle of poverty..As long as am secure,I can do any job as long as it's worth the sacrifice.
Checking on somebody in a loving way is everything:) I have a young sister who checks on me now and again. When I see her text I feel so exited even when it is just one word and an emoj. She has never asked for any monetary help but she genuinely wants me to be happy. The rest of the family dont talk unless when they are complaining about me not helping in the way they wish. Just because we are abroad doesnt mean we are richer than people home. Remember most people live on credit cards- everything they have is a loan. No I refuse to continue so and after a couple of decades I focus on me. I have become immune to the tantrums from home and I dont help on demand anymore but I choose to.
Being born in Canada I can say I validate and agree with her story. Canada is extremely lonely for many. It’s feels like it’s every person for them-self. Lots of ppl are extremely stressed out and people work extremely hard and feel overwhelmed. It feels homesick even tho there’s no where else to go. When I went to visit Africa (Ghana) I finally felt love, welcoming, friendliness and community. Ppl take it one day at a time do what they can leave the rest for another day. Lots of ppl, students, etc struggle to adjust and connect here
Great topic . A word of advice through experience, first years life is different, go to school and network and keep pushing. Life gets easier with time, perseverance and set goals for yourself . You will be successful…
Lynn! This was a beautiful intwrview. I was in Canada in the 60's, perhaps even b4 this lady was born. I went there as a student on a Canadian Scholarhip. My dear, from what u are narrating as ur experiences, I can tell u there is very little, if anything, that has changed about Canada. You are lucky that at least YOU already knew God. I didn't.., then. I used to tell people that afta Canada, there is no life challenge that I cannot conquer. ( 4years of study and already a married young parent with a hubby who was also a student and 2 young kids) By de grace of God, we made it BUT I used to tell people that if I made it thru in Canada, I can succeed anywhere in the world. I was in Edmonton! I trully thank God to hear someone who knows God and on whom His grace abounded. I can tell u, It was only by His grace and merciful kindness that u peddled thru what u went thru! I so love ur narrative- cum- testimony. May de God in whom u have put ur trust, come thru for u once again!! ( from Lesotho, Southern Africa)
Happy new year Lynn and thanks for hosting Chika who is brave to tell her story. From some of the comments, I see that a few people have normalized struggle and feel that her story is not valid just because she came from a comfortable background. What seems normal to me might not be the case for someone else so Chika, this is your experience, we hear you and your story matters too. All the best.
@@chikaokereke hi Chika,thank you for sharing with us your story.may 2022 be the year of restoration and breakthrough. I live in Canada not far from Montréal how can I get your hair product please. God bless you
Love this lady honesty and eloquence. Mindset & attitude about life is a very powerful life tool no matter where you are. 98% of the people back home don't care about diaspora, they only call u when they are ready to exploit but keep ur head up & tream ur priorities accordingly. The money we make here would be enough to sustain us if it wasn't extended burden.
This was such a powerful message....just scrolling through UA-cam and found you. So happy I did.. .living in Chicago, USA.....Thank God for technology ❤
Hey lyn I’m canada i moved here in 2019 and all what I would say is canada life humbles everyone. If you want to adjust here in canada just humble and study do a course get a certificate you’ll get a good job I worked since February last year Im on a break mood now kutoka December im resuming back to work hapo feb. if your abroad look for Kenyan community groups join and you won’t feel lonely
This is a strong and honest lady! Living abroad requires attitude adjustment towards doing menial jobs if necessary to earn a living while you work towards getting the type of jobs you desire.
Correct. The challenges people encounter abroad is just lack preparedness. You must know it's a new country, new people, new culture and new life. Start with menial jobs, go to school and a good job
Thanks Lynn for bringing us viewers these inspiring and real life stories. Chika may God come through for you and give you an excellent job in the hotel industry back in Kenya.
It not easy moving abroad, I came to the US from Uganda when I was 15 am now 31. My parents where here before me as they came when I was 3. Having reunited with them after 12ys of separation, my father died 9months after I came to the US. He was my best friend so depression set in... being in a new high school and having no friends was hard so, my mom and I were not getting along, so I attempted suicide, was in hospital for a week and psych facility for 2 weeks. By the grace of God I say it was a life changing experience for me I gained tools that allowed me to soar spiritually and financially. Leaving abroad is not for everyone but it was certainly for me. Am just grateful for the opportunities
But how can we paint life abroad with the one brush Okereke has? She said some amazing things here towards the end. Lynn, I would like to speak to you about a more positive experience of living abroad. I left Kenya for Canada (I'm Ugandan) to get married 9 years ago. I have a wife and 3 daughters all born here. My wife looks after our children at home as I go to work. I'm a mechanical engineer and have been employed for 6 years in a good job with full benefits. There are challenges around us everyday and in Canadian society. Nevertheless we thank God for the grace everyday and for the opportunity to live in this beautiful country.
Don’t forget that some professions (e.g. engineering & technology) allow much easier integration. Also you had family - a support system. The challenge most don’t expect is the isolation, loneliness and associated mental health issues that ravage people who relocate alone. You see this raised over and over in the comments above.
As a Canadian born and bred, I am happy to hear your positive experience. Lately it seems the internet has a lot of people from Africa who complain about life here and yet there are many of their countrymen who dearly love a chance to get here. I think if you believe in hard work and no one owing you anything and you have faith you will do well and overcome all the challenges. There are many good people to encourage you if you will reach out and there are also many organizations you can turn too though for sure the social fabric and family structures that once existed here are now fragmented because we are all working hard. Sometimes also living far away from loved ones due to where we choose to live and work. Unlike Kenya or Uganda, Canada is a very huge country so the cost of travel to see loved ones is very, very expensive.
its how you see things. Abroad has worked so well for some people, lets be sincere. It pays so well so long as you don't go there with an attitude of choosing jobs. Some of this low jobs pay better than a person working for the Government or banks. Lets be positive and encourage our people go there and work. we cannot all fit in Kenya.
I am traveling to Canada soon and I believe there is something for me. No giving up. It's an opportunity and I feel like we should be encouraged and be tough skin not everywhere is easy.
Chika you are strong woman, thanks for that life experience in Canada. To listen to your story, it is really hard but educating us and those who wanted to go and work in Canada. FinallyI wish you all the best.🇳🇦
People like you deserve respect. You knew very well that a paper cannot pay for your bills despite what was written on it. We have seen how many educated become so proud of their achievements such that they do not want to do inferior jobs that they were not educated to do. You put aside all that and you decided to be pragmatic. Congratulations to you.
I am living here now, I know what depression looks like. It's Bad. In my entire life I found depression in Canada. Home is home. This side I see people Africans trying to be one of them but they Endup in bad places. It's because most of the people they haven't achieved what they wanted. And it takes alot of time to just achieve the permanent residency and after getting you are so exhausted and tired of life and you have already lost 3 to 4 years of your life back to back to try and prove to the government that your perfect. Racist is there all of the time. Home pressure coming back with nothing it really kills people. Because they government won't let you in easily they must use you first for 3 to 4 years and the government for immigrants we are considered unskilled labour example Factories, security guards, cleaning etc.
In my own country Namibia i started working as cleaner househelp for white people. Imagine you even have to wash their underwear. What i did i used a broom to lift it up and put it in the washing machine. None of our African parents will make you wash their underwear unless their are sick. Today i am a Debt Collector by Profession working in the Finance Department. Those people just make us strong and thats why i further my studies and never going backwards.Nothing in life come on a silver plate just easily. Hard work and Perseverance meaning Consistency plays a vital role in our daily lifes
Lynn this has really spoken to me directly....am going through alot but yes ..I now have confidence to make it and be happy on what am doing because 4 sure its not going to be forever but just a platform for higher ground....thank so much lynn
Thanks for this interview. Her point about checking on your family and friends in diaspora is soo true. Even with a good job and good income, life can be lonely, but people back home don’t seem to get that..sadly. Thank God for His grace and mercy. Not all immigrants go through the job situation as she stated but yes many do. Wishing you the best Chika thanks for sharing your story.
My story in canada, God bless u my sister, the loneliness in canada can cause mental illness and depression, and friends and family will not believe in Africa, everyone is asking for money. I ve a philippia guy in my work place , he is constantly down with depression, it's not just Africans alone, it's for immigrat
My dear...it's not easy i understand i am from Burundi and i have been living in Canada for a long time now...I was blessed to live with my aunty and cousins when i first arrived for so many years...i did not experience loneliness like other new comers but let me tell you something do not allow friends and family ruin your life ...make sure you're standing first before becoming a helping hand! Because at the end of the day if you don't make it they will ask you'' What did you do with your money?'' Be wise i beg! God bless you
I loved this interview however I would have liked to have english subtitles so that I could understand the full story. Lynn, you are a great interviewer. You allow the gust ample time to tell their story and I really like that. Keep up the good work.
So inspiring and encouraging ,never give up lady in this life,we face a lot mostly even we who are living in diaspora like me today I faced direct discrimination and racism in an Arabian country whereby an Arab couple passed me as a security guard somewhere and told their small boy who they were with to hit me and run away as if it is joking , probably they see what I can do but I left it to God, anyway God above all
I think she's brave to move back home during a pandemic. But honestly, not everyone does those kinds of jobs out here. Almost every Kenyan I know has a degree and a decent job. They probably started off doing odd jobs but now they're comfortably employed. I was a house keeper when I arrived, but I went to school, did information systems and now I'm a supervisor in the local government
@@edwardmkwelele I wish you had tried going back to college or taking courses in a marketable field like nursing or I.T. I hope things are turning around for you
This youngstar!...Has taught us, what we didn't know!. May God open her journeys on earth!...She is so truthful and genuine!. God bless, God bless at all!.Thank you
From Chika💛
Thank you so much everyone for your kind words. Thank you Lynn Ngugi for this opportunity accorded to me. May God bless you and your team. Just wanted to answer a few questions I saw. First, this is my personal life story, it does NOT mean this will be the same case for you or others. If you get an opportunity to immigrate to Canada, take it. Ensure to make an informed decision that is best for you. Remember, the grass is GREENER where you water it. Second, many of you have reached out to me saying you are going through some mental health challenges, I strongly recommend that you seek professional help. Please reach out and talk to someone. We still need you here. I pray that God preserves you in whatever storm you are facing. Lastly, I am not able to sponsor or invite anyone to Canada. If you would like to contact me or get my hair products/hair coaching services, my details are:
Instagram page: @okerekechika
Email address: lorrychika@gmail.com
Lynn are you an NSPPDian? I love you always. Thnx for this awesome episode. What God cannot do does not exist 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Your testimony in full if strange tongues and yet you the world to hear you. What's that?. I advice that this channel be restricted to your home county people only, because is disgusting mixing English and your language her you want people all over the world.
@philips musa you can't even construct a grammatically correct sentence, but you're requesting for the interview to be done in a singular language. Not to mention, your use of the word "disgusting" is misplaced.
I deal with cleaning products and clean toilets too, lm pround and happy, lf you don't mind , l would like to be interviewed too.lm in Kenya
@@philipsmusa6296 swahili is a popular language all over Africa and even me living in USA can understand all the words because of my African background(Im not Kenyan). Lynn will keep her show for the world to see and we will subscribe & like. If you dont like the "strange language" you can ignore the videos on you feed.
Been in Europe for 27 years and when Covid struck I packed and moved back home 🇰🇪 from flight attendant and a law student, now am a hydroponics farmer In Bondo, and yes life abroad is no joke but now I feel freedom living on my farm and not missing the rat race, racism, feeling in adequate and not worthwhile. ❤️ lynn
Work pay tax..zero socializing ...unhappy always
Hello dear,kindly email me your contact details
Lynnngugi4@gmail.com
Thank you
@@brigidmua2548 yapppp tax tax tax and more tax and window shopping at the super market coz everything is damn expensive😂but it’s a learning experience and I took everyday as a lesson and the reason why God chose me to take this path and now my exit plan after all these years and not to regret any minute ❤️❤️🇰🇪
Even life in Nairobi is not a joke, Baba is also headed to Bondo like you.
@@LynnNgugi we need to here from him or her
I love what your guest has said, you never know who you will meet.I finished college as a young woman,didn't get a job and started working as helper in a dental clinic, washing toilets, sterilisation, messenger, washing the patient bibs it was a very filthy job. God brought a young dentist to do some part time there and he fell in love with me as I was working faithfully in my job as I was waiting for TSC to absorb me as a qualified teacher. Long Story short, we got married in our 20s and we have built our lives beautifully together now 15 years. We thank God.
Never despise the days of small beginnings says the Lord.
Wow great story ,Amen, may God continue blessing your marriage
@@lydiakioko4489 Amen,thank you.
AMEEEEEN!!!!!
Wooow inspiring story to God be the glory
@@homesteadingwiththeangafam2158 Amen
When you come to Canada study any course in the healthy system or hands on jobs like plumbing, welding these are good paying jobs. I was a banker back home when i came here i studied nursing and i will never regret coming to Canada. I am having good life with my family. I thank God for giving wisdom.
Hi, Opah.Would really like to converse with you kindly if you don't mind . Please how do I reach out
Any public health jobs?
@@bethmathenge2678 🤣🤣🤣🙌🙌🙌
Can I kindly ask you.... what if you're a Doctor and want to go outside country, if you go and do your masters can that work?
Hello Opah kindly need to connect with u help. Thanks
After listening to this lady, I now appreciate and love my husband even more. He has worked so hard in a very short time and we have achieved a lot, he has given up so much just to provide for us.
Hmmm people back home in Africa only call you when they want money. Their conversation goes straight to telling you their problems and all their problems need money to be solved. They never ask how you are or how you are coping in the foreign country, they don’t even want to listen to the hardships you are going through. Very selfish and uncaring people.They automatically think that we people in diaspora don’t have problems but the truth is most people back home have a more relaxed life compared to us in the diaspora. Talk about cleaning, I came to the UK when I was 18yrs and I worked in the meat factory. Very cold place and you have to pack that meat at a very fast speed otherwise you loose the job. I really struggled.Thank GOD I managed to go for further studies and I have a very good job now.
This is very true, they can even go for weeks or months but the day u get the text nothing like how r u doing, help me with......
I love this. I'd advice anyone who wants to go abroad to listen to this experience; not to discourage you, but just to make sure that going abroad is what you want. I was so excited coming to canada until I landed and realised no one prepared me for what was ahead.
Big up to Africans who diaspora has become their home. Anyone who has gone to diaspora and come back home is NOT a failure.
Hey,are you still in Canada?
hi I would like to go to Canada to work as a caregiver.what are the requirements please
@@esthernjoroge345 first do the Florence academy course
Indeed
Please connect me to come to Canada.
Lynn, this experience is relatable to more people than just Kenyans! This lady is speaking to many Africans abroad.
An Burundi account accountant who was working for international organizations became a cleaner at a hospital in the United States of America. Most of degrees make no sense abroad.
@@salimaanna6898 this person should have been able to work as an accountant. Finance crosses borders unlike professions like law and medicine.
True
This lady spoke the pure truth, life in Diaspora is not a bed of roses, there are so many challenges to deal with. Thanks for sharing, Lynn Ngugi thanks for featuring this lady in your platform.
Please dont be deceived by what people say sometimes, its their choices. I had my degree from home and i got another one when i get here in the same canada she is talking about. And today, by the grace of God, i have one of the most prestigious job here. Sometimes, people make wrong choices and they come online to discourage people. We should be positive influences on ourselves
Liz Josh what do you mean deceived?! Are you saying she's lying?! She's telling her story her truth if you had a different experience good for you but don't use it to invalidate other people! The reality is not everyone's life is smooth sailing in diaspora. You had a degree she didn't & she had to do what she had to do to get herself & her brother through school& ofc now that she has her degree her job prospects are way better. Listen to learn not to critique buaaa 😡
@@pwanja nice response
It's true what she us telling it's not roses abroad when you come you dont get the same job you had home you have to start somewhere like Scandinavia you have to learn their language for 1 year before going to the next step and people have to do odd jobs to survive it takes time to settle to what you want those who cant cope gets frustreted and have it tough. Our people at home should be patient with us and mot think that money comes from trees here abroad its very expensive and we have to work hard and help.
I like what dhe says people at home should be checking on us and help us as well not only one sided. Thank you very much wish you all the best. God bless you thank you Lynn❤❤🙏🙏
You are telling the truth lady thanks God bless you❤🙏
A queen is here to say as it is! Abroad life can shock you but once you adjust you are good to go! Such a beautiful queen ❤️
I keep telling people Kenya is rich and the best place to live...
The way to adjust is almost the same as the one people of Israel took when going back to Kanaan from Egypt. You must really have God on your side.
Lynn wanjiru muya is ur fan ukianza kumeet fans awe wa kwanza,mm ni silent viewer lkn she is ur good fan
@@vanessalaizer4363 😂😂😂😂😂😂you need God for sure
@@floraigokiterah1642 true after coming to Egypt that's when I realised that but it was too late to know ,, coz nobody told me earlier
I live in a small town in lethbridge and kids from a comfortable backgrounds struggle alot they don't imagine cleaning or doing odd jobs. If you have lived in Kenya with your degree for four years without a job, you will appreciate every dollar you get. I love Canada, I will make it here!
What are your socials mom?
Amen...I totally agree...watu wale hawakuwai kula shida home..they have a hard time huku majuu...lakini if you struggled in Kenya...you never imagine ati you will be going back to that struggle life ya home...🤣...ni ku kaa ngumu...
Small town in Lethbridge ama Lethbridge? Lethbridge is where my life started. In Red deer now.
Winnie very true, here in Kenya we have masters and we are jobless, nipate hiyo job ya kuosha choo huko i will do it whole heartedly
Winnie mutuku pls connect us
There's Dignity In Labour.... Nothing Wrong With Cleaning Toilet's....As Long As Bills Get Paid..... It's A Stepping Stone.
Exactly
Me am doing the same with my white colleagues by the way only we africans down grade these jobs most whites do these jobs apart from the main jobs for extra cash.You see somebody parking their car you think is the boss so she's coming for that ka cleaning job!Just by the way these cleaning jobs can be well paying some you are free on weekends on holidays and some companies have summer vacation and you don't have a boss breathing down ur kneck.You do ur job after office hrs and go home bila kusubuana na watu but everything has its challenges.
@@mwendapoleee Very true. We Africans do not get it. There is no such thing as an inferior job. I understand that in Norway where almost everyone is educated, these so called small toilet cleaning jobs are done by graduates and pay very well.
@@mwendapoleee wakenya munapenda sana kuji grade based on wazungu kwa uzungu (mwili mueupe tu). Kwani aki fanya mzungu ni manaake ni kitu safi? Nonsense! Cleaning toilets no kazi chafu! Kazi za watu wachini. Usidanganye watoi wacha wasome to avoid kusafisha mavi na matako za wazee wazungu! Stop it.
@@lemungagenu5103 Every job has its disadvantages sio uzungu ata wazungu pia wanafanya na wanachekelewa ati ni waiters wamakojo !Sisi wote kuna kitu tupendi ata daktari kazi yake sio rahisi,mtu anakuja naugojwa lazima umhudumie,dentist meno imeoza anatengeneza,wakuzalisha,wawanyama,dereva,polisi,atakwa ofisi kuna shida zao na kila mtu akienda kwa kazi nzuri hizo zingine nani atakupaguza matako ?Siku hizi watu wanafanya kazi cùcù atabaki na nani nyumbani?Kila mtu anataka kwenda kwa restuarant na choo ama hoteli swafi lakini tunadharau wenye tunahitaji .Mtoto wangu atafanya kazi yenye itampendeza kama anahudumia wazee ama wangoja ama kiwete yy ndio atajua kuna watu wamejitolea kusaidia wengine awe mzungu ama mwafrika!
Life abroad is tough but once you endure the first few years, things pay off. The culture shock is tough and also childhood traumas emerge and makes life hard but there is hope and more opportunities.
I'm glad you mention how the traumas of past check in and must be addressed before you settle. It's a lot to deal with.
As we struggle to settle in foreign countries, dont forget to be kind to the foreigners in our land. What they go through is exactly what we go through here. It is not easy to settle but once you do, then life is easier. There are some who have made it and are not struggling any more. But I believe we (human beings) all pass through the same challenges when new in any foreign country
We don't choose which families to be born into and how those families raise us. So don't belittle her opinion or experiences. Let her be.
Been in Australia for the last 3.5 yrs and I haven't recovered from the culture shock and being a workholic to just meet the basics😭.For the first time in 2019 I fell into depression without the knowledge of it but God has been extremely faithful 🙏
Hi dear where are you now cause Canada is still recruiting people from Africa hope u are ok now
@@rebsjoy6892 connections?
Lived in Australia too but always had in mind to come back home which I did. But the toll on your mental health eishh! It's something people don't understand until they experience it.
@@rebsjoy6892 how to go abaut it pliz
Hello
Being away from family members is the greatest challenge of living abroad; as things move very fast and adapting to the new lifestyle becomes a continuous challenge. Anyone willing to relocate first; should be mentally prepared, should have at least a degree or diploma with some work experience, and while in the foreign land try to upgrade your education and build networks that will take you back home.
Hawa family members tunasumbuana hapa Africa they're very important. People abroad do not have that
Depends..other countries eg Germany..it's free university, studies done in English too .pay room/insurance. so go study there. If you'd already done it previously, you kind of repeat it.
@@veevictorius5116 27 years and counting weh! Then everyone wants kitu kidogo - I've cleaned pupu!!!
@@rosewambui8026 are you in Germany?
@@neemaatieno9611 yes
Same story with me here, working as a maid in gulf. 4yrs in Lebanon but I thank God for this far and he's knowledgeable because this job has removed my family and I from grass to somewhere 🙏though sometimes I ask myself so many questions which I don't get answers
May the Good Lord Bless the work of your hands.
You are a strong young woman. And God will c u through Amen
Can that money get it in kenya.
Good,,let's take heart,me too am working in lebanon,,,where are you locating here in lebanon sister
Always remember you're not alone and always focus on what you get at the end of the month and what you've been able to achieve,am impressed by what you've done for your family.
Sometimes living abroad is not easy and as rosy as it seems. It humbles you kabisa.. 😅
Very true 🤣😊
True
Kabisaaaaa
As a kenyan living in Montreal, i understand a lot about what she is saying. Here is my personal observation. Many Kenyans struggle so hard to move abroad- the immigration journey is long and expensive and sometimes just down to luck. So when we succeed we think we have made it but in reality that is the begining of the hustle. So you should be prepared to work just as hard or even harder than you did back home. My friend always says if you were making it back home, then you have a better chance of making abroad but kama ilikuwa ngumu home moving abroad is not a magic trick to make your problems disappear.
My second point- Preparation: Immigration is a huge project. You need to prepare well in advance. In Chiki's case, they should have learnt French, got in touch with people who are already living there, Just ask all the necessary questions...It goes a long way. When i moved i already spoke good french(even though i struggled a little at the begining because of the different accent), i had a few friends i had made before moving, i researched the school system, just general information about the people and the culture. I still had to struggle but the resaerch made it easier.
They should have learned French before landing in Quebec or moved to an entirely different province but without proper preparation they won't think of any of this.
I agree. I wish we did the latter. We had very little knowledge of where we were going to.
Thanks for the Eye-opener, people always think living in abroad is easy.but the truth is nothing is easy
I'm originally from Somalia 🇸🇴 and I used to live in Kenya 🇰🇪. Those were happy days. Moved to Canada 🇨🇦 and had similar experience like this girl. It's true, it's not a joke
Same here, where in Canada siz?
I worked with a lovely Somali girl called Asia Ahmed who moved to Canada. I miss her
Tell them sister, people out there work day and night, some of the jobs you would never think of, but you do it to make ends meet, then you send the money back home to help your family and friends who really don't appreciate and misuse and even live a better life than you, then when you get tired and disappointed of helping people who don't want to help themselves, you become their enemy and they start saying unalinga, meanwhile all this time, you live in a shared accommodation with people you don't know as you cannot afford to rent a house by yourself and you do not real friends because you have no social life, sometimes you don't even know your neighbours, some sleep less than 6hours per night running between shifts and classes. So guys please respect hard earned cash sent by people in diaspora, it does not grow from trees. Some people remember their family members and friends only when they need cash, Please 🙏 guys form a habit of calling your people in abroad to genuinely know how they are doing, build a lasting relationship that is not based on cash. Thank you @LynnNgugi for giving her your platform to highlight this problem.
Very true
Umenena, abroad pple who support their families back home should be respected , it's a big favour that one is being helped or supported as soon as one will tell them that you want to stop with support to focus on yourself hapo sasa ndivyo utajua kumbe haujui,one will be bullshitted with abuse from exactly the same persons one was supporting with cash they'll even don't want to talk you, abroad pple is true our relatives have no that true love to us ni ya pesa tu, (though not all are like that kuna wale wako very understanding)
Team diaspora, well put
@@Parentingwiththefutureinmind families finished whatever I get I remember three weeks ago someone died they asked money from me unfortunately I had 40 cents in my account why I had 40 cents because the families take money from me all the time they don't care if am sick or am ok they don't want to know it am working or not but this 2022 I have made up my mind am going to cut most of them, am living in Brisbane Queensland Australia
@@Parentingwiththefutureinmind I subscribed to your Chanel tusikubali kukaushwa damu lets keep our money otherwise one day watatucheka
As a registered nurse in America, life is no joke, no social life, a lot of mental issues affecting many here, too much burden from back home and just the need to protect yourself from mockery can take a toll on a you. Nothing comes east here, I totally relate to her story, she articulated herself so well and painted the true depiction of life in diaspora. Thank you Lynn for all you do
🤗
True .
we can relate
True that
This story is to share
Thanks Chike for highlighting our struggles abroad. The loneliness and the racism abroad is extensive.
Can i get a chance to be there janet
@@gloriastaicy7429 huyu yuko kenya na wewe
True please tell them karanja
Very correct.....hamna ku sugarcoat hapa
Janet it’s not easy Abroad I don’t even know my nabour loneliness my dear
She's really articulated the struggles of many of us out here in Diaspora..very well said
She has really articulated our struggles....Well done.
Ppl don't have sense.Her family being rich does not make her less of a human.This is her story and experience.She has every right to share
That’s true, I personally think it’s worse especially when you come from money then all of a sudden it’s no more. When you come from a humble background it’s easier not easy to adapt to change.
Thank you❤
Its just a fact that rich kids struggle with odd jobs ,for us we washed toilets in primary and high-school for free ,so imagine us complaining washing them being paid per hour in America 😂
@@chepkoechkatam3664 It is circumstances that make ppl settle for those jobs but there is nothing wrong with wanting a better job. Niliosha choo primary na high school but that is hardly a reason to turn that into a career.
No one wakes up excited to go and clean toilets
I love how articulate you were in this video, I live in the Uk and most black people are always regarded as 2nd hand objects, leaving in the western world is no joy when you are black, victimisation and systemic racism are leading! Parents determine who their children play with! Thanks for sharing I can relate 🤠
Which part of UK are u in?
Thanks for another excellent interview! You and your guest are are two wonderful sisters. Living in any white country or any country that is not majority black (African) can be a big challenge, if not destructive to the psyche. The fact that a black person can survive the traumatic experiences and hold a family together in a foreign country or return to their native land in once piece, is something to celebrate. The West or even Asia is not all about the good life for Africans or people of African ancestry as many people think. The grass is not always greener in these societies. Even if some black people are succeeding in their careers or jobs, that alone is not the measure of a good life. The feeling of being a second class citizen or the feeling of not belonging can lead to a terrible existence. Actually, whether one is in their native country or a foreign country, economic success is just one index of success. Other measures are mental and physical health, having genuine and healthy relationships with family, friends colleagues and neighbours. And not last and not least, a feeling of being respected and treated fairly irrespective of your race or colour. I think that until Africans on the continent and those in the diaspora can develop their own countries economically and maintain a more robust and effective systems of governance and accountability, I guess there will always be the temptation or desire to seek greener grass in other countries even if they are merely tolerated, not welcomed.
Very insightful!
The truth is you are only respected and free to a greater extent in your country of origin.
Even in fellow African countries, discrimination is rife, you find black Africans treating their fellows from other parts of Africa with disdain and even take pride in killing them or discriminate against them systemically
Ultimately, until majority of African countries become self sufficient at the least, these things will never stop.
You pinpointed a good message. Thank you!
Am really impressed by this programme for allowing Africans (Kenyans in particular)at home to get a clear picture of what it's like to be African abroad,however there are many Afrcans living their dreams abroad despite the challenges.
Not only Kenyans my brother i'm from Zimbabwe and I can relate to her story.
@@violankomo7045My bad, I agree with you,I should have said Africans
@Georgina Prucha Yes Georgina,am aware that there's a huge population of Kenyan experts living their dreams abroad,I will correct that Statement.
Not only 🇰🇪 please people at large 🇺🇬
Yes. There are alot of success stories.
I currently live in canada and it's very true life is so hard, I remember I couldn't find a job when I first moved here and I had to do car wash 😫, for now I thank God as he has been faithful so far
Can I talk to you gal
Hello
Everything she said is absolutely true about Canada. I wish I had heard this sooner. You’re making difference by letting people know ahead of time about their challenges.
Iii
Lynn, this makes me very emotional watching. Everyone that lives abroad will agree with me . Once you move abroad you lose the siblings as if you don’t have anything to offer they don’t need you . The only time I get messages or calls from kenya is when school fees is needed or there is a harambee to build a church .
This interviewer is such a beautiful lady she is so respectful of her guest she provided her with a warm welcome and non judgemental setting that is like watching a family that is fill with love and care. The interviewee is humbled and wise. Her stories are like myself and so many of us living here in Canada, who have come and go. However; I realize the ways in which Canada operates may seems evil, but it is absolutely necessary. hence why it is a disciplinary country as it teaches us discipline. Or in other words to obey the rules and laws. Canada is a great place that will humble even the richest/most powerful. It's not easy especially starting out; and definitely doesn't help when you have a bad start because you didn't have any goals, overly ambitious, pride, not flexible/adaptable, and no support/friends and families here. But If you keep going and never give up you can become successful cause there lots of opportunities here. Stay connect to God and be open to receiving your blessings through people, places, and things.
Thank you so much Omar🙏🙏
Thank you Omar
I second your comment about discipline, integrity and obeying rules and laws. It applies everywhere in diaspora
I loved this story from the beginning to the end, i loved the way she told true not hiding anything, she's very simple down to earth. Miss Chika May God bless you and keep you and to you Lynn I always pray for you anytime I see you on TV or think about the good people I have ever seen or met with, God bless you.
What profound statements she has made throughout this interview. She carries a lot of wisdom & discernment.
Majority of people who have gone abroad have started from scratch to survive. It humbles oneself.
This is the reality people are facing abroad, we decide to come abroad in order to place our fate in our own hands. They call it getting out of the comfort zone.and what friends and family back home should know is that the money they think is freely given abroad is actually hard earned, so they better stop making enemies just because they can't extract money from people abroad
Only prayers
Well said, hard earned money should be cherished.
Chika is very sincere in this chat with Lynn, it is more challenging and demanding when one travels or stays abroad illegally. One’s status when in abroad will determine how fast and smooth the journey will be, the beauty is that things will eventually fall in place if one doesn’t give up or get distracted.
The reasons blacks are treated like that is because the hosts knows home is no go back for most people, they don’t treat some nationals such ways because their country home is good and they are not here out of frustrations.
I wish you all the best Chika.
As a Black American , I appreciate this video so much. I go to Ghana , and I try to explain to people that it is better to get something started in Ghana if you have a comfortable lifestyle.
People don’t know how hard it is in the West.
Your Absolutely correct 💯 👌 , they Even think that life in the West is like heaven, money everywhere, They don't listen.
You're black American and your name is Chioma? Interesting 🐱
Why not ?
I met a black American who's Bola in Houston, d mom is American and d dad a yoruba from Nigeria
@@lantkolawole listen to your self. Her dad is "Yoruba" still a Nigerian. Madam at the top said she is black American.
Africans. These are little things u qorry abt. Take the message she is sharing and let be the rest
Life abroad is definitely no joke. But with persistence, grit, resilience, and a little bit of wisdom, the sky is the limit. I also am African (from Ghana) living in Canada. I also took the loan and got that degree. I also worked odd jobs (including cleaning - everything, toilet included) after my degree. Fast forward 12 years down the line, I work for a great company in IT sales, and own my own business on the side - making great money! Thanks for sharing ur story, but all hope is not lost. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. If only you'd keep pushing!!! Have fun in Kenya, but hope to see you one day on the streets of Toronto (even if just for a visit). Cheers⚘
Hi,Winnic .
Lynn I will send you an email, I am working in the gulf and I am yet to tell my story just to encourage someone out there cz working in a foreign land is not for the faint of heart. I thank God for this far.
This lady hit the nail on the head. Life in the diaspora is no joke. It can be so frustrating as to rendering someone suicidal
We Africans abroad, we educate ourselves, get degrees in this n that but when it comes to finding jobs according to our qualifications we get none, instead we ending up cleaning n washing the dishes or working in nursing homes. Sad but true!
@@vanessalaizer4363 I disagree because in America if you go back to their schools & pass their exams you have an equal opportunity of employment. The degrees from Africa most become null & void. At least you can get scholarships, student loans & grants, unlike our home countries.
@@frankie6207 There is always beginning everywhere even in your own home country! Humble beginnings, resilience remain focused, You will definitely climb the ladder! An English-speaking country is even far much a plus!
@@frankie6207 the thing is iam not in America. The country im in, one must first study the language which takes not less than three years. Then you have to start somewhere depends on your currant level of education fr your home country. After that you can choose to find low paid job or study farther, it’s a looong process trust me.
@@Agyotis i agree with you about english-speaking countries being a plus. Otherwise it’s a long way to the destination. To avoid that way, ppl choose to work with anything that comes their way, which is not good at all.
I admire your resilience. No matter how much challenge life throws at you, never contemplate to give up. Lastly congratulations Lynn on your consistency. God bless you.
Thank you for being kind❤
Thank you for being kind❤
Even here in Turkey
Jamani eeeh, as someone who is living abroad, ukipata chance ya kukuja huku, Kimbia ukuje. Life here is better compared to Kenya. I come in peace tafadhali.❤
Thanks Florah 🙏 😊 so many people out there are really discouraging the rest of us 🤗
I agree with you 💯
It's also important Ms Lynn how we talk about certain jobs. There is no shame in cleaning toilets and there is no shame if that person never "upgrades" from that job. Our system would collapse if we didn't have amazing women like her working hard in the hospitality industry. Blessing & great interview🙏🏾
Chika, thanks so much and you have nailed it. That's the reality abroad, especially those few months and years. Some people abroad are keeping up appearances, instead of saying the truth to those back home. And some of these our people back home thinks that people abroad are picking money on the floor or plucking from trees, they don't call to check on you, only when they want something. When they call from home, they will ask you, how is work, instead of how are you? May the good Lord help, keep us and grant us our hearts desires, Amen. Lynn, thanks for bringing 'Chika' to come and share her story and educate others.
Came to Canada 2018. Learnt a lot culture shock is big time. With no or limited social life it’s difficult and mental health is real. Being away from family brings tears always
Hi emily
So proud of her for walking the walk, keeping Faith and attaining clarity. I do believe she will do amazing on this next chapter. Thanks Chika for highlighting the challenges abroad.
Lynn, your just so warm😍
Thank you❤
@@chikaokereke hello chika , is it advisable to go outside the country because I wanted
Studied/worked in Europe for a while but decided to relocate back to Kenya.
Truth is, we make it seem like abroad is heavenly!! The picture we paint back home makes people desire that life. BUT few will be candid and really tell you how hard life truly is.
Imagine always being aware of your race (that’s something that you really don’t think about whilst in Kenya).
The number of times people asked for “connections” to go abroad lol…I”m even seeing that on the comment section here!
I remember swearing I’ll never live in Kenya again and even when I moved back, I struggle to really adjust. I’m doing far much better than I did whilst living in Europe
Great feedback! Coming home soon
I pray that God keeps you and strengthens you❤Thank you for sharing your story.
Encouraging
Are you for real
Wow Lynne this was one of the best realities of majuu. One has to start humble, work like a slave. Take in some verbal and non verbal abuse to survive. The lady was on point with reality. Love from Philadephia Pennsylvania.
Hi Lynn! The guest has really put forward alot of truths especially about the expectations and perceptions of people back home regarding those upon us in diaspora.
Through experience, this was a few things I personally did to balance out this:
1. Coming here is like being given a clean slate to write a life path you want ( honestly you get a platform to chat and achieve your path, you ought to plan and strategize, the government especially Canadian provides resources for that.
2. Be realistic and understand the fact that skills needed here to get you market ready is different from those at home and you will have to take a little course here and there in addition to your qualifications ( also get education equivalences for your papers)from back home to get you ready for the job
3. More realistic is the fact that you have to realize that you will have to get a job to get you by as you concurrently self improve in terms of skills and training. (The government has very resources to support newcomers integrate better and even provides free trainings in different fields)
4. Patience and knowing what you want and using the resources at your disposal will work perfectly to your advantage
5. Most importantly, be cognizant of the fact that the moment you left Kenya to abroad, most of the folks back home commoditized you, na hakuna kile utafanya. ( ps, 95% of calls/ contacts we receive from home have a price tag)
6. Please remove the social pressure you are getting by just telling people that whatever they are asking ( of course if it’s not a necessity or emergency) you will not provide,
Be truthful to yourself and don’t create an impression that you have more than enough to cater for the outrageous demands of people when you actually are still working on yourself.
Na sio lazima uoshe choo as a starting job! I have lived and schooled in the same city ( Montreal for 5 years now), it’s a bilingual place and with English you getby just fine. You not necessarily have to do unskilled labour only! With just KCSE cert yako you can work in customer service, administration and other jobs. But the determinant on how long you will stay doing this jobs is yourself!!!
Sacrifice a year or two for school and you will never regret it!
Ukweli aki ile pressure tunapewanga toka home ni mingi, they expect us to buy land and build skyscrapers every month ( punch line: tangu uende ni mwaka sasa na hujainvest bado, mtoto wa nanii alienda ni miezi tatu sasa na amesimamisha magorofa ya rental pale taoni)
I will not bash those at home about that nortion because I too had the same impression before coming here.
Equally, since we are making this our permanent home, we try to invest here too ni hayo tu kwa Leo. Mengi baadaye
O
Very well, what other low skilled jobs can you recommend as a immigrants? Other than health care what else is in high demand?
This is atleast uplifting... some of the comments are scary since we on the way
Lynn I can identify been here in Australia for4yrs,having came from Kenya as a mature hassler,but the only beauty is you are able to put food on table and pay your bills and help back home.So many kenyans back home good education but tarmacking.I thank God.
I live in Canada. I was lucky to immediately get an office job in the same career that I had in Kenya. At first the loneliness was the biggest problem but I went to an event where I bumped into two old schoolmates from Kenya who introduced me to other Kenyans and my life changed overnight. We meet together, eat Kenyan food, drink tea and so on. When you are in Canada, reach out to fellow Kenyans and build your own network to overcome isolation. It took me ten years to feel at home and now I just consider it like my second home. I am sorry for her experience but not all Kenyans are picking strawberries, actually many Kenyans I know have very good jobs in government etc. Go back to school and study and you will be okay eventually. Vumilia...
Thanks for the encouragement
Life is a journey that sometimes we follow a certain path but the end result is what matter most.
You may start well but get afew problems while another starts life very bad but finally things change for the best.
Nikuvumilia tu.
How did you relocate to Canada?
Please advice us on how to relocate to Canada.
Hi Sofia. Thanks for encouragement. How can I reach out to you? I am here and would appreciate some tips
Life abroad is not easy.. We live less, uncomfortable and tirelessly working hard to just give our people big life back home. I lost friends in the process... They don't believe you don't have and you're always impeccable when giving. If you give well you're besty if not you're dumped into enemies basket.
Very true
Queency you said it all
May God bless you for me
May God shower you with all good things you like.
The world is wikedo
U Can Say That Again....
And to make the matters worse,those you helped back home,when you happen to come home with nothing,they are the first to laugh at you and talk ill about how you don't know how to plan yourself.
Very true dear
Moving here is not easy. I can remember also being in high school in a small white town, the only african in the whole school. I wanted to give up everyday. I wanted to go back to Kenya so bad. It was hard adjusting.
Thank you Chika for sharing your story and speaking things as they are here in abroad.
From my experience,Here in Canada, if you have papers from Kenya or a new immigrant generally, its advisable to send them for assessment first by an international qualification assessment service. This will be a great boost on your resume if its equivalent to that obtained here coz some employers/recruiters are picky when it comes to candidates with foreign qualifications.
Papers obtained in recognized institutions in Kenya for example UON are also recognized here.The trick comes in if you pursued a regulated course like Med, engineeering,law, some sciences, accounting etc.For these courses, all immigrants are required to sit for a Canadian examination first in order to get the proper lincensing required to practice. The exams are tough.Some do pass while others fail. Another alternative is for one to go back to school/ start from scratch. You can go back and pursue your course at lower level; a cert or diploma or take a different career path altogether.
Another thing to note is that if you have work experience from home you will be better placed than another immigrant whose fresh from college. Having foreign papers with no work experience is quite challenging when starting off.
If you have work experience and the course you pursued isnt regular you have higher chances of get a job but you still have to start somewhere, maybe volunteer or do any small job to give you Canadian Work expérience coz employers look at that too.
Another big thing that helps alot in getting a better job in this country apart from having some sort of Canadian éducation and work experience is Recommendations. This tops the list of most recruiters. They will go first with the candidate that has been recommended to them by someone they know and trust. You may have a very good job application but if you dont someone working there or someone who knows someone you may end up never hearing from them no matter how qualified you are and no matter who many times you apply. So making connections is Key. Build your connections, show your presence on professional platforms, you may never know who will come across it.
Do not spend so much time, year in year out trying to get a job with your foreign credentials.If they arent working for you, put them aside and go back to school if you can.
For those coming in on student permits, their experience is way too different altogether
This is very useful 🙏
Very informative.. Thank you
THANK YOU RODAH
And as Achika said, do not raise your expectations .Things may not work out the way you planned. Start somewhere. Do those odd or transition jobs as they are called here if you have to, as you work towards achieving what you intended.Those jobs do not define you.You know who you are. They will help pay your bills for the meantime as long as you don't get stuck doing them for the rest of your life.They actually pay way much better than most office including some goverment jobs in Kenya. Some of them like house keeping are physically demanding but they are not gross as people may think.
Finally, do your diligent research if you are planning to come over. Have an idea on what you expect. Prepare yourself mentally coz mental health challenges set in when you come over here with very high hopes and expectations then all over sudden you find yourself having to start from scratch, not having a job and struggling with bills or doing some kind of jobs that you have never imagined yourself doing. About Canadian Winter, it is brutal thats for sure. Temperatures go down upto -40Cs but as long as you bundle up to keep warm then you are good to. Buildings, public transit and personal cars are heated so wont freeze while inside.You will only feel cold if you spend time outside for long maybe working or waiting to catch a bus or train. But we are always to bundle up.
I am from South Africa and I live in Canada. This is my advice: If you want to come to Canada, try to get a degree while you are still in Africa. And when you arrive in Canada you can "upgrade" and study either Nursing or Social Work. Canada is always looking for Healthcare workers, and Canada as a Social welfare country, there is always jobs for Social workers. And both these programs you can start them at a local college by getting a certificate, diploma, and eventually a degree. While studying and when you keep getting these qualifications you can get a well paying job. It will be hard but it will be the best decision of your life. Even during the pandemic we in these two professions we continue to work.
I always say these to anyone who wants to come to Canada. Why would Canada( or any country for that matter) want to take anyone who is is broke and has no education. I know it sounds harsh but try to improve yourself before you come over.
Hi Alice, I would like to have a conversation with you regarding your comment. How do I contact you? Thanks
Lakini canada is employing more unskilled workers(cert and diploma) than skilled workers (degree and the rest)
I think its best to study engineering and come with your engineering or comp science degree. Even IT. Then upgrade. Those jobs pay better than social work. Social work is not as easy job here. There is a high turn over. Please people do engineering courses.
@@Flourish_today Hey there, I'm a woman want to venture into engineering but I'm not sure where to start?
Everyone can't study engineering! A registered nurse without specialty earn up to 79k, specialist nurses earn way more than that
You should take nursing since day one, nursing is on demand and is a stable job in Canada and USA.
Chika, I loooove your story. I also love that you are telling it as it is. I am from Zambia and I currently live in Ottawa. I have lived in this country since 1991 years, your story is my story and you are telling truth. Thank you for doing this.
That's Canada for you. It's a journey. First it may break you, then it builds you. To do so however from my experience, one cannot quit. I moved to Canada from Jamaica in the early 90s and, quickly found out that one doesn't have to be attending a University alone to get a degree; this country itself is a University.
Move to America 🇺🇸 … We adjust to the American way of life as soon as we get that American Degree 📜
I have been working as a Software Engineer in California for the past twenty years and life is too good in California.
@@kenyandamu
There you go. One we're moved out of our homeland and, lived abroad for any considerable amount of time, our outlook on live will become totally different.
Working as a security guard in qatar but i really thank God for everything I can count my blessings through this job ,,,It's really hard especially summer time
Buda nko dubz same hustle big up, morale
@@OmarAbdulAzeez4714 thanks wacha tujikaze
Amazing interview on many levels. I watched it twice. I am 61 yr old born and raised in America and have never traveled outside but still could relate to her young life story with all the struggles and uncertainty; Life is difficult and she is an inspiration. I'm thankful for this platform where she is able to share experiences with depression, health issues, adversity and how she fortunately meet a good therapist, learned about the effects of trauma and gained insight. I was going through a great deal of adversity a few years ago when I met a young Kenyan over the internet, he asked me "How are you" and that is how our friendship began. He is amazing young man and if I ever get to travel abroad, I would like to go to Kenya and meet my spiritual son. Amazing.
Hi
Mary, I really hope you get to travel and see other countries and experience their culture.
@@jovonnescott484 Thank you, I really would like to go to Kenya, Uganda and Ghana but really isn't possible as I am grandma now with 5 grandchildren that really need me but you never know. Life is about ups and downs. I pray for all the young people trying to find their way in this big world.
What an amazing story. Please remember that NOTHING is impossible with GOD. I believe that one day you will testify about how He miraculously made it possible for you to travel abroad! All my love from Eswatini 🇸🇿
WOW ... this is brutal truth , mental health issues through life are hard to articulate, Thank you Chika for being vulnerable, spoke for me
Good to see more and more diasporans speaking candidly about this issue hopefully more people will give it a good thought and reflection before relocation only when all else fails that they might think the grass is greener on the other side. It might be but it's not always the case. You can make a good life wherever you are.
@@Kittygacha_playz yes many are doing well and many are also suffering let people hear both stories we have heard one sided story for long the ones building magorofa and driving big cars but they also have a story to tell. Stories like this will help people reflect and adjust their expectations when moving abroad. I commend the channels variety. For every story some with connect others will disconnect which is all good but stories must be told.
And why dd you make money in ur on country stop discouraging other people hw u made it others can make it als
Watoto wa matajiri
Kenyans who fail abroad complain too much and they know why they failed and should STOP 🛑 coming back home and giving sad stories.
Reasons are as follows:
1. Didn’t have enough funds to sustain their first year of study therefore dropped out of school and fell out of status therefore living illegally in America or Europe and life gets tough after that because they start doing bad jobs like cleaning toilets to survive.
2. Did not complete their Degree and this is worse for the ones who went abroad after high school because these 1st World Countries value Degrees. The ones who come for Masters or PHD can get better jobs even if they dropped out of School rather than the ones who don’t have Degrees at all thus start cleaning toilets.
3. Picked easy Courses that are flooded with Americans and Europeans thus competing with the natives for the same jobs. I have never seen Kenyans who are Engineers or Doctors suffer in America. You also need to register with a State as an Engineer or Doctor or Business student by sitting for State certification exams which you must pass and if not then you end up cleaning toilets. Please pick serious Courses to study when coming to America.
4. Hanging with the wrong crowd thus becoming a felon through drunk driving, weed smoking etc., this will not allow you get a good job at all because all jobs in America require background checks to see if you are a convicted felon of not and if so then you go clean toilets.
5. Partying 🎉 too much and before they know it, their Student VISA has expired and they have no Degree and now they are embarrassed to come back home without a Degree 📜 and so start doing bad jobs like cleaning 🧹 toilets to survive. Just complete your studies comrades and your life will be easy.
In a nutshell please follow the laws and AMERICA 🇺🇸 will treat you good.
@@kibindankoi9824 waaaaaaa thank you so much really loving Phrankleen channel I will pass on to others so informative. Loved a comment there 'don't set yourself on fire to warm others'. Much appreciating I will become more financially literate
Absolutely loved this! Very well articulated Chika, you have spoken for so many of us! You are a strong woman & your faith is amazing.
My Dear Sisters (Lynn & Guest): Beautifully honest sense of life in North America!! I live in the US, a few hours from the Canadian border. Racism is real and the impact of childhood trauma is just as real. I look forward to reaching out to my young sister. Lynn, your haircut looks gorgeous on you. It shows off your beautiful face!! Peace & Blessings.
Even the same here in Germany
@@floraigokiterah1642 They normally say wanataka pia hao kuona na macho so it's okay with them kila mtu na Mungu na malaika wake
Even here in Turkey racism is real
@@nimokeynan3052 it's real..
Kazi ni kazi for sure...I graduated 2018 full of expectations that I will get a job I ended up Hawking in Kitale town and I was very proud of my hustle..even today when someone gives me any kind of job Iam ready to do it ...but I did Journalism and mass communication.❤️❤️❤️
You have a support network. You are home
@@jocyno8814 thank you
UA-cam is here. With your background you can use it
There's nothing like an odd job,any job that earns u money kindly appreciate.
Watu huongea as if living a comfortable poor life in Kenya when u r educated is better than being selfless with an aim of changing your economic status,it takes a sacrifice for one to change the cycle of poverty..As long as am secure,I can do any job as long as it's worth the sacrifice.
That's Canada for you sis.Best place for your kind of job is here in Alberta dear one.Just my own thoughts.Been doing housekeeping for 8 years now.
Checking on somebody in a loving way is everything:) I have a young sister who checks on me now and again. When I see her text I feel so exited even when it is just one word and an emoj. She has never asked for any monetary help but she genuinely wants me to be happy.
The rest of the family dont talk unless when they are complaining about me not helping in the way they wish.
Just because we are abroad doesnt mean we are richer than people home. Remember most people live on credit cards- everything they have is a loan. No I refuse to continue so and after a couple of decades I focus on me. I have become immune to the tantrums from home and I dont help on demand anymore but I choose to.
😁😯
Being born in Canada I can say I validate and agree with her story. Canada is extremely lonely for many. It’s feels like it’s every person for them-self. Lots of ppl are extremely stressed out and people work extremely hard and feel overwhelmed. It feels homesick even tho there’s no where else to go. When I went to visit Africa (Ghana) I finally felt love, welcoming, friendliness and community. Ppl take it one day at a time do what they can leave the rest for another day. Lots of ppl, students, etc struggle to adjust and connect here
Great topic . A word of advice through experience, first years life is different, go to school and network and keep pushing. Life gets easier with time, perseverance and set goals for yourself . You will be successful…
Chika congrats on beating depression. May God continue guiding you all the days of your life. thanks Lynn for this episode
Cleaning toilets too, abroad, pays school fees and feed my family 👪back home. Am thankful to Jesus for this job.
Pesa ni pesa
Amen.
Tia bidii sister, Mungu ni mwaminifu
I love this mentality. Make the dollar
True....I Loooooooove Your Attitude.... Which Country
Lynn! This was a beautiful intwrview. I was in Canada in the 60's, perhaps even b4 this lady was born. I went there as a student on a Canadian Scholarhip. My dear, from what u are narrating as ur experiences, I can tell u there is very little, if anything, that has changed about Canada. You are lucky that at least YOU already knew God. I didn't.., then. I used to tell people that afta Canada, there is no life challenge that I cannot conquer. ( 4years of study and already a married young parent with a hubby who was also a student and 2 young kids) By de grace of God, we made it BUT I used to tell people that if I made it thru in Canada, I can succeed anywhere in the world. I was in Edmonton!
I trully thank God to hear someone who knows God and on whom His grace abounded. I can tell u, It was only by His grace and merciful kindness that u peddled thru what u went thru! I so love ur narrative- cum- testimony. May de God in whom u have put ur trust, come thru for u once again!! ( from Lesotho, Southern Africa)
Thank you for sharing your story and encouraging me.
Happy new year Lynn and thanks for hosting Chika who is brave to tell her story. From some of the comments, I see that a few people have normalized struggle and feel that her story is not valid just because she came from a comfortable background. What seems normal to me might not be the case for someone else so Chika, this is your experience, we hear you and your story matters too. All the best.
I truly appreciate your kind words❤God bless you.
Yea. Struggling after living in kitisuru must be hard
@@chikaokereke were you in Montreal or Quebec? Hope you be OK
@@chikaokereke hi Chika,thank you for sharing with us your story.may 2022 be the year of restoration and breakthrough. I live in Canada not far from Montréal how can I get your hair product please. God bless you
The title is like my sister's story Lynn and life abroad is really not a joke but we survive because we always have God we conquer
Love this lady honesty and eloquence. Mindset & attitude about life is a very powerful life tool no matter where you are. 98% of the people back home don't care about diaspora, they only call u when they are ready to exploit but keep ur head up & tream ur priorities accordingly. The money we make here would be enough to sustain us if it wasn't extended burden.
Thank you❤
This was such a powerful message....just scrolling through UA-cam and found you. So happy I did.. .living in Chicago, USA.....Thank God for technology ❤
Me too from Florida
If you have a good job in Kenya, live here and just tour the different countries.
Hey lyn I’m canada i moved here in 2019 and all what I would say is canada life humbles everyone. If you want to adjust here in canada just humble and study do a course get a certificate you’ll get a good job I worked since February last year Im on a break mood now kutoka December im resuming back to work hapo feb. if your abroad look for Kenyan community groups join and you won’t feel lonely
Hello
This is a strong and honest lady! Living abroad requires attitude adjustment towards doing menial jobs if necessary to earn a living while you work towards getting the type of jobs you desire.
I concur. Thank you
Correct. The challenges people encounter abroad is just lack preparedness. You must know it's a new country, new people, new culture and new life.
Start with menial jobs, go to school and a good job
Uve really inspired me...
@@alloicesidika5044 Exactly!
Thanks Lynn for bringing us viewers these inspiring and real life stories. Chika may God come through for you and give you an excellent job in the hotel industry back in Kenya.
Really proud of you Lynn for what you are doing, this is an eye opener story and brava to Chike for telling us her journey. All the best to her .
It not easy moving abroad, I came to the US from Uganda when I was 15 am now 31. My parents where here before me as they came when I was 3. Having reunited with them after 12ys of separation, my father died 9months after I came to the US. He was my best friend so depression set in... being in a new high school and having no friends was hard so, my mom and I were not getting along, so I attempted suicide, was in hospital for a week and psych facility for 2 weeks. By the grace of God I say it was a life changing experience for me I gained tools that allowed me to soar spiritually and financially. Leaving abroad is not for everyone but it was certainly for me. Am just grateful for the opportunities
But how can we paint life abroad with the one brush Okereke has?
She said some amazing things here towards the end. Lynn, I would like to speak to you about a more positive experience of living abroad.
I left Kenya for Canada (I'm Ugandan) to get married 9 years ago. I have a wife and 3 daughters all born here. My wife looks after our children at home as I go to work. I'm a mechanical engineer and have been employed for 6 years in a good job with full benefits. There are challenges around us everyday and in Canadian society. Nevertheless we thank God for the grace everyday and for the opportunity to live in this beautiful country.
Hello Charles. Please email: lynnngugi4@gmail.com or lynnngugishow@gmail.com
Don’t forget that some professions (e.g. engineering & technology) allow much easier integration. Also you had family - a support system. The challenge most don’t expect is the isolation, loneliness and associated mental health issues that ravage people who relocate alone. You see this raised over and over in the comments above.
As a Canadian born and bred, I am happy to hear your positive experience. Lately it seems the internet has a lot of people from Africa who complain about life here and yet there are many of their countrymen who dearly love a chance to get here. I think if you believe in hard work and no one owing you anything and you have faith you will do well and overcome all the challenges. There are many good people to encourage you if you will reach out and there are also many organizations you can turn too though for sure the social fabric and family structures that once existed here are now fragmented because we are all working hard. Sometimes also living far away from loved ones due to where we choose to live and work. Unlike Kenya or Uganda, Canada is a very huge country so the cost of travel to see loved ones is very, very expensive.
its how you see things. Abroad has worked so well for some people, lets be sincere. It pays so well so long as you don't go there with an attitude of choosing jobs. Some of this low jobs pay better than a person working for the Government or banks. Lets be positive and encourage our people go there and work. we cannot all fit in Kenya.
Stop being ignorant, definitely you have missed a point from her story.
I wish you could talk through experience! Jobs and making money or not, life is difficult abroad.
Exactly
Lol pays better, do you know the economic status of 1st world countries? You can end up paying bills and remain with nothing from low paying jobs.
I am traveling to Canada soon and I believe there is something for me. No giving up. It's an opportunity and I feel like we should be encouraged and be tough skin not everywhere is easy.
Chika you are strong woman, thanks for that life experience in Canada. To listen to your story, it is really hard but educating us and those who wanted to go and work in Canada. FinallyI wish you all the best.🇳🇦
People like you deserve respect. You knew very well that a paper cannot pay for your bills despite what was written on it. We have seen how many educated become so proud of their achievements such that they do not want to do inferior jobs that they were not educated to do. You put aside all that and you decided to be pragmatic. Congratulations to you.
This was inspiring. Been in Canada 11 years and tha challenges are real. But so are the Blessings that come with🙏🏾
Hi! Sylvia how can I come there?
I am living here now, I know what depression looks like. It's Bad. In my entire life I found depression in Canada. Home is home. This side I see people Africans trying to be one of them but they Endup in bad places. It's because most of the people they haven't achieved what they wanted. And it takes alot of time to just achieve the permanent residency and after getting you are so exhausted and tired of life and you have already lost 3 to 4 years of your life back to back to try and prove to the government that your perfect. Racist is there all of the time. Home pressure coming back with nothing it really kills people. Because they government won't let you in easily they must use you first for 3 to 4 years and the government for immigrants we are considered unskilled labour example Factories, security guards, cleaning etc.
same in Australia it’s free Labour prople work for small money
In my own country Namibia i started working as cleaner househelp for white people. Imagine you even have to wash their underwear. What i did i used a broom to lift it up and put it in the washing machine. None of our African parents will make you wash their underwear unless their are sick. Today i am a Debt Collector by Profession working in the Finance Department. Those people just make us strong and thats why i further my studies and never going backwards.Nothing in life come on a silver plate just easily. Hard work and Perseverance meaning Consistency plays a vital role in our daily lifes
Lynn this has really spoken to me directly....am going through alot but yes ..I now have confidence to make it and be happy on what am doing because 4 sure its not going to be forever but just a platform for higher ground....thank so much lynn
Hugs 💕
@@veroncyceline6374 thanks 😊 🙏..
Thanks for this interview. Her point about checking on your family and friends in diaspora is soo true. Even with a good job and good income, life can be lonely, but people back home don’t seem to get that..sadly. Thank God for His grace and mercy. Not all immigrants go through the job situation as she stated but yes many do. Wishing you the best Chika thanks for sharing your story.
My story in canada, God bless u my sister, the loneliness in canada can cause mental illness and depression, and friends and family will not believe in Africa, everyone is asking for money. I ve a philippia guy in my work place , he is constantly down with depression, it's not just Africans alone, it's for immigrat
My dear...it's not easy i understand i am from Burundi and i have been living in Canada for a long time now...I was blessed to live with my aunty and cousins when i first arrived for so many years...i did not experience loneliness like other new comers but let me tell you something do not allow friends and family ruin your life ...make sure you're standing first before becoming a helping hand! Because at the end of the day if you don't make it they will ask you'' What did you do with your money?'' Be wise i beg! God bless you
@@TheBizuzu ,thank you so much for the word of advise i really appreciate that
@@wealthobi2283 You're welcome. 🙏
Checking on someone means alot....life abroad isn't cheap Lynn the stories you air keeps me going 💪💪
I loved this interview however I would have liked to have english subtitles so that I could understand the full story. Lynn, you are a great interviewer. You allow the gust ample time to tell their story and I really like that. Keep up the good work.
So inspiring and encouraging ,never give up lady in this life,we face a lot mostly even we who are living in diaspora like me today I faced direct discrimination and racism in an Arabian country whereby an Arab couple passed me as a security guard somewhere and told their small boy who they were with to hit me and run away as if it is joking , probably they see what I can do but I left it to God, anyway God above all
Pole Sana for that
@@avivkinyanjui437 ,am okay thanks
I think she's brave to move back home during a pandemic. But honestly, not everyone does those kinds of jobs out here. Almost every Kenyan I know has a degree and a decent job. They probably started off doing odd jobs but now they're comfortably employed. I was a house keeper when I arrived, but I went to school, did information systems and now I'm a supervisor in the local government
That's amazing.
For it was very hard for me with my MBA from UK I just left Canada I did odd jobs and I was getting thinner and thinner and tired
@@edwardmkwelele I wish you had tried going back to college or taking courses in a marketable field like nursing or I.T. I hope things are turning around for you
This youngstar!...Has taught us, what we didn't know!. May God open her journeys on earth!...She is so truthful and genuine!. God bless, God bless at all!.Thank you