Editor’s Note: As we celebrate African Heritage Month in February, we’re proud to spotlight some of our own people, Black culture, contributions and history.
Here, we meet Yese Bifakubaho who is in his final year of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Accelerated Option) at StFX. Mr. Bifakubaho, who was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo but grew up in Halifax, NS, says his passion for nursing comes from his desire to represent his community and men of colour in healthcare. Nursing also aligns with his natural inclination to want to help and interact with people. At StFX, he has played an active role in supporting fellow students, particularly Black students through his position as a Black Student Peer Mentor where he offers mentorship and support.
StFX nursing student Yese Bifakubaho making a difference in people’s lives
StFX student Yese Bifakubaho can easily answer the question of what drew him to StFX and to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Accelerated Option) program.
“My passion for nursing comes from a combination of personal and professional motivations. Most importantly, I want to represent my community and men of colour in healthcare. Nursing also aligns with my natural inclination to help and interact with people, making it the perfect profession for me. It offers the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives while fostering meaningful connections with patients and those at their side, including family and friends,” says Mr. Bifakubaho, who was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and grew up in Halifax, NS.
He says he was drawn to StFX by the university’s commitment to supporting students of colour, including himself.
“The resources available for diverse communities made me feel welcomed and valued. Additionally, the town of Antigonish has a warm and inclusive atmosphere, making it easier for international students and those from different parts of Canada like me to integrate and feel at home. Xaverians are like family, something I have learned throughout my time here. From the very beginning, I have always felt a strong sense of belonging on campus.”
His experience at StFX has been incredible, he says. “I have excelled in my studies, built lasting friendships, and played an active role in supporting fellow students, particularly Black students through my position as a Black Student Peer Mentor. This role has allowed me to guide and assist students from various backgrounds while also developing leadership and mentorship skills.
“While I am excited to be graduating at the end of this year, I will genuinely miss the sense of community and connection that I have found here.”
While he says he does not have a single favorite class, he has found that most of the courses in the nursing program are highly engaging. “They provide deep insights into not only the healthcare system but also the human body, mind, personality, emotions, and the role of healthcare professionals in communities.”
Looking ahead, he says his career goal is to remain in Nova Scotia and work as a nurse. Although he hasn’t yet decided on a specific field, “I have so much love for the pediatrics, surgery, and emergency care units.”
Currently, Mr. Bifakubaho is serving as a Black Student Peer Mentor for the 2024–2025 academic year.
“My roles are to help provide informal support to students, engage Black students in residence and in the Black Student Success Center, refer students to resources on campus, support the work of other peer mentorship offices and support the work of the Black Student Advising Office. This position has been instrumental in broadening my understanding of the challenges that students of colour, especially international students of colour face in a rural setting. Through the Agnes Calliste Academic and Cultural Centre, I have also engaged with the broader community, gaining a deeper appreciation of the unique experiences of people of colour in rural areas.”
Beyond offering mentorship and support, this role has helped him develop essential skills, including communication, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, networking, and coaching, he says.
“Many of these skills align with what I have learned in my nursing courses, particularly in communication labs. Being a peer mentor has allowed me to apply these skills in real-world scenarios, giving me valuable experience in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, this role has helped me forge connections with students, professors, alumni, and staff through various events we organize.”
Mr. Bifakubaho has been actively involved in extracurricular programs over the past year. He says while he would love to participate in research and more campus activities, the demanding nature of his program has made it challenging. However, he hope to explore research opportunities in the near future, possibly over the summer.
African Heritage Month is a very important month for him. “It is a crucial time to recognize and celebrate the contributions, resilience, and achievements of Black individuals and the pioneers who paved the way for us. It provides an opportunity to highlight stories that have shaped society but are often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Honouring Black culture and history fosters deeper understanding, promotes inclusivity, and supports the ongoing pursuit of equity and representation. It is more than just reflecting on the past, it is about learning, growing, and continuing the progress toward a more just society.”
Mr. Bifakubaho says he would like people to focus on appreciating one another. “We are all here for a purpose, and our differences make us unique. I believe that diversity is intentional and meaningful, it allows us to complement and learn from one another.”
