Strong Communities

Strong Communities means: A group of people who form relationships over time by interacting regularly around shared experiences which are of interest to all of them for varying individual reasons.

Strong communities are good for people because it is good for new comers to Canada. They come knowing very little, like how to find what they need and want. The first time I separated from my family, I felt very sad. I went to Kenya with my youngest sister and my cousin. We did not have anybody to help us. We were scared, but my church community helped us very much. They came to the airport and they took us to the church. They gave us a place to live. They showed us important things that we need. I’ll never forget how kind they were to us. I’ll always remember them. That’s why I believe strong communities are good for people.

The Toronto Centre for Community Learning and Development (CCL&D) is a place where I’m learning better English skills. Its vision is “Strong Communities Together.” This is a good vision because strong communities can help people, just like the church helped me. CCL&D is helping me to achieve my goal to go to college one day.

From Academic Upgrading Participant Helen Solomon

Strong Communities Together

Together Eritrean people help to build a strong community in Toronto, guided by a clear vision and strong leadership. Eritrean people have good social opportunities. For example, in summer time the Eritrean community always offers a picnic when we all eat together in a park, and sometimes we hold the picnic in the country side.

Eritrean people are always working together to develop their community. The Eritrean community encourages independence, self-reliance and security of people.

The Eritrean community sometimes invites other communities or agencies to learn how they support each other. I feel like I have a family and company. I am happy to have strong communities together.

We have a good vision for CCL&D. It encourages us to help each other in achieving our goals.