Jonathan Mubanda has been descried as a "pillar" of a Surrey high school where he has supported students for the past 20 years.
The Safe School Liaison at Tamanawis Secondary is being highlighted by the school district for his work during Black History Month. The support worker started his journey as a new immigrant to Canada from Uganda who moved with his family to East Vancouver when he was a child, notes a Surrey Schools release.
“He’s kind of been a pillar at that school for two decades,” Nick Brown, manager of racial equity at the district, said.
“When I first moved here six years ago, I went to a Pro-D and I was asked a question about connection – I said I feel I don’t have any connection as I just moved here a week ago.
“The facilitator had me stand up and said, ‘This is Nick Brown and he’s seeking connection and belonging here in our district,’ and Johnny was the first one to jump up and said, ‘I’m right here, brother.’ And ever since then, he’s always been right there for me — he really made me feel comfortable, included, connected to the school community, and I’m forever grateful and appreciative.”
Mubanda did not have it easy in his youth. His family had to uproot their lives due to civil unrest in Uganda, but the move to Canada proved challenging as his parents' educational achievements were not recognized here. While his parents took on custodial duties for work, Mubanda and his brother attended school, which they also struggled to adjust to.
Much of the support worker's life and time growing up has been documented in a film Mubanda produced called It Takes a Village: An East Van Story.
Just as he had growing up, Mubanda had aspirations of being a mentor and trusted adult youth could go to. While in school, Mubanda had a lot of support from his teachers and coaches, inspiring him to want to work with youth.
