Waterloo region Eritrean community group helping newcomers feel supported, settled

Forty-one community organizations and groups in Waterloo region are receiving upstream funding from the Region of Waterloo.

The region set aside more than $4 million for the project aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of Indigenous, Black, racialized and other communities facing discrimination.

CBC Kitchener-Waterloo is highlighting the work of several of the recipients in a week-long series.

The Eritrean Islamic Community of Waterloo Region is receiving about $55,000. Here's what the organization is all about and what it hopes to do with the additional and much needed funding:

About the organization and impact on community:

The community and cultural support group, which was founded more than 15 years ago, helps support Eritrean community members.

The group offerings support services that help people navigate local systems, youth sports activities, tutoring programs and community sponsorship.

It also helps hosts festivities for Ramadan or Eid, or other family friendly gatherings.

"The other main functions we have is to empower the the members to have a voice in the Community and opportunity to share their experience and concerns and reflect perspectives that they have," said Abdurahman Abdurahman, who is a board of director.

He said the community in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge has grown to about 300 people because of immigration and overall unrest in their home country.

He said these services are crucial for newcomers.

"When you come to a new country, your sense is that you're lost and you're confused. You are in the culture shock and you don't know which direction you go to. So having a community like us, it's always helpful," he said.

"A person comes to a new country, feels some sense of belonging that alleviates a little bit of the cultural shock, right? The time that they need directions and help, the community is there to help them," he added.

How regional funding will help the organization:

The group received about $55,000 that will help with the following:

• Offer recreational programming to children such as basketball and soccer games.
• Leadership training for members.
• Host host conflict resolution lectures.
• Hire a tutor for kids.

"This kind of support from the region or other funding organization is very important for the grassroots communities like ourselves. We are the closest to our members who can understand and reach out to their needs and this kind of support goes a long way," said Abdurahman.

Dates to remember:

Abdurahman said in the coming months, the group is going to host indoor activities for kids and prepare for Ramadan coming up in a few months.

The leadership training program for members will also kick start in January.