New Beginnings is the result of a photography project called “Youth Lens,” led by U SHINE Movement, that took place from September 2020 to June 2021 with 72 young refugees and immigrants in Ottawa. Together these youth created the photography installation currently on display in the Museum’s Community Corridor.

During this bilingual virtual program, youth photographers featured in the installation will share what led them to U SHINE Movement and how it impacted their lives in Canada. The program will also include a live Q&A with the youth photographers and Carolyne M. Chatel, founder and president of U SHINE Movement.

Click here to learn more about New Beginnings.

Panelists

Both Gakah

Both Gakah spent time in the Tsore Refugee Camp in northwestern Ethiopia from 2016 to 2018, before coming to Canada to live in Ottawa.

Glory Djouaka

Glory Djouaka is originally from Cameroon and immigrated to Canada with her parents and her six siblings. She is studying social work at the University of Ottawa.

Yumna Hafez

Yumna Hafez was born in Syria and raised in the United Arab Emirates. She arrived in Canada in 2019. Her vision as a new Canadian is having a new chapter in her life, full of new challenges and dreams that will come true. Yumna hopes to create a bright future for herself. She values human rights and believes they play a role in having a society that is just and ensures equality among its members while allowing everyone to speak up for their rights.

Samer Azar

Samer Azar currently works as a pharmacy assistant at Shopper’s Drug Mart. He was recently admitted to the University of Ottawa to study Biopharmaceutical sciences. Samer’s main interests are medicine and working towards becoming a pharmacist. His hobbies include chess, photography, philosophy and guitar.

Carolyne M. Chatel

Carolyne M. Chatel is the founding president of the non‐profit organization “Mouvement U SHINE Movement” since 2019. She holds an MBA from McGill University and HEC Montreal and certifications including that of Human Rights Consultant from the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights.

New Beginnings is presented in partnership with U SHINE Movement, Alliance Française du Manitoba and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

Youth Lens was created in collaboration with the Social Planning Council of Ottawa and supported by grants from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and l’Ambassade de France au Canada.