The Union de la Jeunesse Congolaise Ottawa-Gatineau (UJC-OG) was born of a strong vision carried by its founder and visionary, Ferdinand DJIUNYO, driven by a deep desire to bring together, guide and inspire young people.
Even before its official creation, this initiative was already taking shape through concrete action on the ground, in particular by organizing sports activities and community gatherings. These initiatives aimed to offer young people a structured, safe and positive space that supported their personal, academic and social development.
In its early days, the initiative was mainly aimed at young people of Congolese origin. However, through sports activities, particularly soccer and basketball, it quickly became clear that young people from a variety of backgrounds were joining in.
These young people, mostly from Afro-descendant communities and other cultures, shared the same needs for guidance, support and mentoring. Sport thus became a real tool for bringing people together, fostering inclusion, discipline and living together.
In response to this reality, the initial vision evolved towards a more inclusive approach, welcoming a diverse youth united by shared values such as respect, discipline, solidarity and commitment.
It was in this spirit that the Union de la Jeunesse Congolaise Ottawa-Gatineau (UJC-OG) was officially launched in January 2024, at a landmark event held at the Maison de la Francophonie d’Ottawa. The launch marked an important milestone, confirming the transition from a community initiative to a structured and committed organization.
Since its creation, the UJC-OG has continued to grow and to have a significant impact within the community. The organization has set up a range of activities, including sports tournaments (soccer and basketball), youth programs, cultural events and initiatives to foster integration, social cohesion and the promotion of the French language.
Today, the UJC-OG stands as a dynamic and inclusive organization, playing a key role in the development and support of young people in Ottawa-Gatineau. It continues to build bridges between cultures, strengthen the sense of belonging and contribute actively to helping young people thrive.
