Imagine walking one-thousand kilometres to cross the border from war-torn South Sudan into Ethiopia, eventually seeking asylum in Canada. Or moving from Ghana to Quebec as a child, not speaking English or French, and being one of the few Black people living in a predominantly Italian neighbourhood? These are just two of the nineteen powerful first-hand accounts of immigrant journeys author Chifuka Chundu has collected in these pages.

Divided into four parts, An Immigrant’s Journey: Africans Making Canada Home chronicles the challenges and opportunities these newcomers to Canada experienced, whether coping with post-traumatic stress disorder, dealing with divorce, navigating educational and government systems, or finding ways to preserve their culture while adapting to a new one that’s radically different. Each part is supported with a self-help section composed of a Q&A with an expert who shares practical advice and insight to help immigrants address the diverse issues they may face, in order to set themselves up for success in their adopted home.

In 2004, Chifuka Chundu moved to Canada from Zambia with his parents and four brothers. Arriving at the age of nineteen gave him a grounding in his home country’s culture, as well as an appreciation or the challenges immigrants face and the disconnect that often exists among family members of immigrant communities. For more than fifteen years he has worked as a Bible teacher and volunteer with Junior Achievement.

Chifuka believes people grow when they are open to learning and challenging their belief systems. He believes people grow when they are open to learning, unlearning and challenging their belief systems. He is a believer that all challenges with human relationships can be improved by learning to listen, understand and communicate effectively. He currently resides in Edmonton, Alberta with his wife and two daughters. This is his first book.