Thank you.
Mr. Chair, committee members, thank you for having invited me to appear in connection with your study on francophone immigration in Canada and Quebec.
My name is Jacqueline Djiemeni Ngangoum, a grade 11 student atx Ronald-Marion high school. I'm from Cameroon and I immigrated to Canada two years and a few months ago.
As you know, Canada never met its 4.4% target for francophone immigration outside Quebec, and has failed to do so every year since 2008. And the most recent report from the Commissioner of Official Languages says it's unlikely the target will be met by the expected 2023 deadline.
And yet, francophone immigration is essential to maintaining the demographic weight of the French-speaking population outside Quebec, and the development and vitality of francophone communities. It's also essential for educational institutions, which in many instances rely on francophone newcomers to maintain their critical mass.
That being the context, I would encourage members of the committee to give consideration to the following recommendations.
The first pertains to immigrant awareness of the realities of the host community, before and after their integration.
The second is about building capacity in minority community francophone schools so that they can become catalysts for integration in these communities.
It's important for young immigrants to understand the realities of their host communities ahead of time so that they are better prepared both mentally and financially, and better informed about the lifestyle and potential challenges and opportunities in these communities. That would help them from the moment they arrive to adapt to their host country more readily and stress-free, because they will have been informed prior to arriving in Canada.
So first of all, an awareness of the lifestyle in the host society is important. Then, a knowledge of the languages spoken in the host city and country. Lastly, it's important to know how the school system works.
Schools can promote socialization and play an important role in welcoming and integrating new francophone students. For this to happen, it's important for immigrants to have been properly received and integrated into the educational setting from the start. Not everyone is capable of expressing themselves easily or obtaining information about the new realities of the country and the school. So if a school is welcoming to students, it can play a key role in their educational and social integration.
To make a school welcoming to young immigrants, all staff at the school—including students, teachers and administration—must be collaborative, welcoming and enthusiastic. Teachers also have to be able to understand that immigrant students do not necessarily have the same educational background.
Being a member of a francophone youth organization is important in several respects. It certainly strengthened my identity, my pride in being francophone and my own role in the community, as it has for many others too. It also helps you to contribute to the development of your community, to learn and enhance your skills, including social skills, and to learn in French. My experience at the Fédération de la jeunesse franco-ontarienne, FESFO, is a good example of just that.
FESFO provides life experience in French beyond the school, and it enabled me to acquire new skills, organizational ability, critical thinking and leadership. It also introduced me to new people and enhanced my intellectual knowledge.
That concludes my opening address, Mr. Chair. I'd be happy to answer any questions the committee members may have.
Thank you.