Afri-Can Connect Society

Project Name: Afri-Can Connect Operational Empowerment

Calgary, AB

The Afri-Can Society was established in 2019 by five professional African women who immigrated to Canada. Despite possessing advanced degrees, they struggled to gain employment due to their lack of Canadian work experience. Some people felt so frustrated that they wanted to leave. Afri-can however reassured them that things will get better. They decided to band together as volunteers to develop ideas to help one another and support new immigrants arriving in the country.

They initially established an economic assistance support group, which started in 2020 and currently meets biweekly. Africans who have overcome the challenges of immigrating and found their footing are invited to speak to inspire newcomers. Additionally, individuals are given assistance with soft skills training that teaches how to succeed in the Canadian workplace and resume and interview guidance services. Although some workplaces may be inclusive, while others may be toxic with microaggressions, and less welcoming. As a result, they support individuals with the abilities and methods required to work in these environments.

In 2020, Afri-Can received funding to provide food hampers to their community. With the impacts of the Covid Pandemic, there were many individuals laid off who had families to feed. So every year, they offer food hampers to alleviate the financial stress that is culturally inclusive, catering to Sub-Saharan Africans by providing them with food from their specific regions.

This grant emphasized capacity development; it allowed the group’s accountant to enroll in accounting studies to serve the organization better.

The IT professional in charge of their social media accounts is attending classes and learning a lot. In addition, the Afri-Can team enrolled in a leadership and nonprofit management course at Simon Fraser University to continue their efforts to better the community. They also have a toll-free number for organizations and the communities they serve to utilize for communication and a CRA number to certify the organization is receiving funds.

The Supporting Black Canadian Communities initiative grant supports the Afri-Can Connect Society in achieving its mission and goals. The project aims include developing leadership through training, raising awareness through digitalization, and renting a location to carry out activities to serve the community. Also, employing a consultant to handle nonprofit operations and investing in their visibility to connect with and interact with their target market.