David Mulandabulwa Ng'Ambi: “In Canada, you make the opportunity yourself”

David Ng'Ambi came to Ottawa from Kitwe to study Mechanical Engineering in 2006. Today he’s completing his advanced diploma in Architectural Technology at Algonquin College, spending much of his time at Algonquin’s new ACEE building. He calls it a “state of the art facility”, where students can learn just by walking along its hallways.

A graduate of Mpelembe High School, David believes college education prepares students to get into the industry. “Here you learn stuff, you learn what to do.” His father inspired him to come to Canada because he had Canadian education himself. David agrees that post-secondary education in Ontario is amongst the best. He always liked technical drawing, and design was his passion. That’s why, after completing his first engineering diploma at Algonquin, he decided to join the architectural field. 

When David first arrived in Ottawa he was part of the homestay program, living with a Canadian family. “It teaches you”, he says “helps you to settle in.” He felt he wanted to fit in from the beginning, not to isolate himself from his new host country. At the first opportunity, he moved in with a mixed group of friends from Canada and all over the world. 

He thinks Ottawa is “quiet and not complicated… everybody is willing to help”. He says it wasn’t difficult for him to adjust to Canada’s capital city because “one has to be open to learning, open minded.” As his friend once told him, “Don’t think in a straight line, if there are different directions”.

David is very happy to be at Algonquin College and says he has two homes now.