About Us

East African Paretns Association

EAPA is a grassroots community organization that aims to work with communities of East African descent to reduce barriers for optimal integration into Canadian society. EAPA will develop and implement culturally and linguistically appropriate community and social services to empower communities to experience a successful integration into society, including full participation in education, employment, social belongingness, and civic engagement.

Vision

Descendants of East African origin in Ottawa will experience a positive, supportive, and caring environment that fosters successful integration into Canadian society.

Mission

EAPA will work towards excellence in leadership
and governance to build the capacity of members of the
East African communities so they can achieve optimal
health and wellbeing and become successful residents of the
City of Ottawa.

We will achieve this by:

  • Becoming a trusted not-for-profit organization that provides culturally appropriate
    faith based, community and social services
  • Becoming a not-for profit organization that will demonstrate a novel model of
    governance & leadership
  • Becoming a respectful organization that will amplify the voices of the communities
    that we serve
  • Becoming a not-for-profit organization that will influence policies in areas of
    immigration and settlement through research and advocacy

Values

  • Inclusivity: Ensuring all individuals from East African communities feel welcomed, supported, and valued in all aspects of Canadian society.
  • Empowerment: Providing resources, education, and opportunities that enable individuals and families to achieve their full potential and contribute positively to their communities.
  • Cultural Integrity: Preserving and promoting the cultural heritage, languages, and traditions of East African communities while facilitating successful integration into Canadian society. EAPA long term plans include:
  • Expansion into 3 other provinces/cities
  • Expansion into 2 other countries in Africa
  • Service _ community members on an annual basis

Administratively we aim to build our capacity in the following ways:

  • 3 Community Workers
  • 2 Administrative staff
  • A budget of $20 Million

Area of Programs - Children Services

Thses are some of  the children services EAPA provides:

  • Parenting support in the manner of information, parenting education, parenting skills building
  • Activities that will promote the development of strong sense of identity, culture and language
    in children (e.g. cultural and historical education, access to relevant books for reading)
  • Activities and programs that will make the next generation of children ready and prepared for
    the education system (e.g Kindergarten readiness programs)
  • Collaboration with libraries and other social services to encourage children’s reading skills
  • Academic support activities (e.g. tutoring, homework clubs etc..)

Area of Programs - Youth
Services

By the next generation youth of East African descent will be proficient, educated, skillful,
competent to not only be a productive member of the host society but will also be a pillar of
strength to the East African communities. The areas for youth services will include but not limited
to:

  • Education Support
  • Skills development Initiatives (leadership skills, technical skills etc..)
  • Health. mental health and addictions/substance use support
  • Peer networking & mentorship
  • Recreation (e.g sports activities)
  • Volunteerism and civic participation.

Areas of Programs - Parenting Services


Parents of East African Descent will be equipped with culturally appropriate resources and skills to raise confident and successful children for the next generation.

The areas for parenting services will include, but are not limited to:

Parenting support and empowerment initiatives (parental leadership)

  • Confidence building

  • Health and mental health support, including strategies and skills to address substance use and addictions

  • Language and other technical skills development (e.g. computer skills)

  • Employment support, financial literacy, and capacity building

  • Creating a network of support to address isolation

Areas of Programs - Settlement Services

A culturally appropriate settlement services will be key to the success of newcomers. The areas

for settlement services will include but not limited to:

  • Language & Computer skills building
  • Immigration & legal advice and support
  • Employment preparation & support
  • Housing services
  • Culturally appropriate mental health and social services
  • Cultural initiatives promoting a sense of community belongingness

Other areas - Special Projects

EAPA has also identified a couple of special areas of interest that will require additional exploration, consultation, and further thought. These are:

  • Children with disabilities (in particular, children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum)

  • Intergenerational activities

  • Research, policy, and advocacy

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