From Struggle to Shine: Brightness' EHCW Success Story

Young Girl's Odyssey: Overcoming Challenges from Nigeria to Canada with EHCW's Support

This picture was created by AI and shows Uwana, who is lovingly called "Brightness." While it's not exactly the same as her real-life photo, it captures a very close likeness to her personality and essence.

In the touching journey of resilience and personal growth, we are proud to present the inspiring story of Uwana Emmanuel Eyoh, affectionately known as Brightness. A young girl who triumphed over daunting challenges to rediscover her self-worth and find acceptance, Brightness embarked on a poignant journey from Nigeria to Canada in 2019. With the invaluable assistance of the Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women (EHCW), she not only weathered her experiences but transformed them into a wellspring of strength and self-discovery.

Embarking on Her Journey:

At a tender age of 11 and a half, Brightness embarked on a poignant journey with her mother and two siblings from Nigeria to Canada, seeking refuge from internal family struggles. The path was far from smooth, as they encountered hardships along their way. Their settlements spanned various places in Canada, from a hotel near Brampton to a basement residence in Etobicoke, eventually culminating in an apartment in North York.

Initial Hurdles:

Brightness's trials extended beyond adapting to unfamiliar surroundings; she encountered bullying and isolation at the schools she attended. Despite her grasp of the English language, her accent and appearance made her susceptible to hurtful remarks and body shaming. Even her initial encounters with public transportation were tainted by prejudice.

“I was fluent in English, yet my accent and appearance made me an easy target for hurtful comments. The bullying and body shaming were heart-wrenching, particularly given that I had never felt unwelcome or isolated in my home country," Brightness candidly shares.

Seeking Acceptance:

Despite the harsh experiences, Brightness yearned for acceptance and friendship. Her mother, aware of the challenges she faced, connected with the Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women (EHCW), an organization that has been supporting migrant and newcomer women since 1992.

EHCW's Positive Influence:

Within EHCW's youth program, Brightness found a lifeline. In December 2021, she crossed the threshold of EHCW's premises, and under the patient guidance of mentors like Yougeita Jagdesh, Programs Manager at EHCW, she gradually began to open up. She learned the art of initiating conversations, crafting humour, and forging connections with others—abilities that had seemed distant during her earlier struggles.

“On a snowy day in December 2021, I set foot in the EHCW premises. Yougeita, one of the mentors, encouraged me to share my thoughts. It was demanding, yet I recognised it as a step toward reclaiming my voice," Brightness recollects.

Blossoming and Transformation:

The summer program of 2022 marked a pivotal juncture for Brightness. Slowly, she embraced more candid conversations and even ventured into making new friends. The nurturing ambience at EHCW provided her with the tools to rekindle her self-assurance, equipping her to navigate her fresh chapter in life and fostering a profound sense of belonging.

“Through EHCW's summer program, I acquired the ability to initiate conversations and even weave jokes. It was a gradual evolution, but I was finally breaking free from my inhibitions," Brightness reveals with a heartfelt smile.

Raima Ghani, who started as a volunteer with EHCW in March 2022, shared her thoughts about Brightness. She mentions that although they first met in March 2022, they didn't talk much. However, in July 2022, they had their first conversation. At the beginning, Brightness was quiet and shy. But within a few weeks, Raima noticed a change in her, especially after EHCW organised a trip to Niagara Falls.

Even though Raima was a volunteer and Brightness, along with two others, were youth program participants, they all got along well because they were around the same age. When Raima saw Brightness again in July 2023, she observed a significant transformation. Brightness appeared much more confident, no longer shying away, and seemed very comfortable. Raima noticed confidence in every action Brightness took. As Raima put it, "She exudes confidence in everything she does."

A Defining Moment:

As she entered high school in North York in September 2022, Brightness felt the profound impact of EHCW's program. With newfound confidence, she formed two strong friendships, a testament to her growth and resilience. Through her journey, she offers sage advice to newcomers, emphasising the importance of understanding one's surroundings before seeking friendship.

A Beacon of Hope:

Today, Brightness stands as a beacon of hope for those grappling with uncharted and arduous circumstances. Brimming with gratitude, she warmly endorses EHCW's youth program to all, acknowledging its role in fostering empowerment, camaraderie, academic support, and the exploration of creative expression.

“To newcomers, I advise taking the time to acclimate to your surroundings before embarking on the quest for friendship. EHCW's youth program transformed my life—reinstating my self-assurance, facilitating friendships, bolstering my academic achievements, and enabling me to channel my creativity," Brightness shares earnestly.

In her pursuit of acceptance, Brightness transmuted her adversities into triumphs, turning challenges into stepping stones for growth and transformation. Fortified by unwavering support from EHCW, she emerged as a stronger individual, radiating a rekindled sense of belonging and self-assuredness. As Brightness continues to thrive, her narrative serves as a poignant reminder that, with unwavering determination and a network of support, anyone can surmount hardships and carve out their niche in the world.

Let us always remember that, irrespective of our origins, we all deserve recognition, respect, and the opportunity to radiate our unique brilliance.

In a dazzling display of resilience and determination, Brightness, our inspiring young protagonist, has emerged from a past of limitations and silenced voices to become a beacon of empowerment. As she gazes toward the horizon, her confidence radiates brilliantly. Despite facing restrictions as a girl within her own home, she has transcended these boundaries, now aspiring not only to uplift herself but also to champion the rights of the marginalised.

"It's incredible to think that as a girl, I was once not allowed to speak, yet now I want to stand up not just for myself, but for all those who have been oppressed," says Brightness, her voice resolute. And indeed, even in just her first year of high school, she has already set her sights on a future as a lawyer—a future dedicated to serving those in need.

But the brilliance doesn't stop there. The light of accomplishment shines on her family as well. With her 18-year-old brother's remarkable success in football, on the cusp of joining the Canadian national team, and her mother's dedicated work as a PSW, diligently saving for her nursing education, their futures are imbued with promise. And let's not forget about Brightness' 12-year-old sister, who is blossoming into a confident young woman under her sister's guidance—a testament to the wisdom and strength that Brightness has garnered from her own journey.

As we conclude this newsletter, let's celebrate Brightness' unwavering spirit and the brilliant tapestry of hope she weaves for herself and her family. The road ahead may be challenging, but with individuals like Brightness, there's no doubt that the future shines even brighter.

Until the next edition of our newsletter, we send you warm regards from the EHCW Communication Team.