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Kenyan Canadian Association - KCA is a federal not-for-profit organization that seeks to address the issues affecting marginalized black Canadians and other racialized groups while assisting newcomers to settle and make a positive contribution in the society as they endeavor to achieve their goals.

KCA also focuses on implementing programs and specifically offering services to newcomers, low-income families and other socially-excluded groups residing in Canada to improve their personal well-being and social-economic status.

KCA works collaboratively with organizations and stakeholders through our grassroot network across the country.

 

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KCA Celebrates and Honours The Seniors at a Colorful Event

Written by KCA Admin on . Posted in News

Toronto, Canada – September 18, 2021

Kenyan Canadian Association - KCA held its inaugural Seniors Celebration Day on Saturday, September 18, 2021 in North York, Ontario.

The event also featured the Senior of the Year Award to honour seniors, 65 years and above, that have made an outstanding voluntary contribution to enrich the social, economic and cultural life in the community. The recipients of the award must have made the commitment to service without thought of personal or financial gain.

Six seniors were awarded in five categories including; Raphael Fernandes who is the KCA Board Chair/Sports & Recreation and former Kenyan Olympian for Community Leadership Award; Dr. Jacobet Edith Wambayi from Uzima Women Relief Group International for Humanitarian & Community Service Award; Pastor Eunice Magira-Hawkins from Glory Community Church for Spiritual & Community Support Award; Amina Rishard Omar for Outstanding Newcomer Award; Ligia Van Rosi and Jimmy Van Rosi from the Van Rosi Duo for Arts, Music & Cultural Preservation Award.

KCA Board officials at the event included Ephraim Mwaura – President & Executive Director, Catherine Matimu – Board Secretary/ Newcomers & Settlement, Fatma Nadhir – Social Economic Empowerment and Terry Ortlieb – Seniors Outreach. KCA Secretariat was represented by Miriam Mackenzie – Gender Equality Officer.

In his speech, KCA President noted there is more informed recognition of the important contribution that seniors make to their families, communities and the country.

He said that redirecting attention to health promotion and disease prevention is required in order to enable our elders maintain optimal health and quality of life.

Ephraim also pointed out some of the barriers and inequities that will need to be addressed through KCA Seniors Outreach Program initiatives.

He encouraged seniors across the country to come out and register on the KCA website at www.kcacanada.org/seniors to facilitate seniors outreach program planning for services that will help address the social economic issues facing them.

It is fact that the number of seniors in the community is rapidly growing.

Winners of the 2021 KCA Senior of the Year Award

(From Left to Right) Winners by Award Categories:

  1. Community Leaders - Raphael Fernandes, OLY
  2. Outstanding Newcomer - Amina Rishard Omar
  3. Spiritual & Community Support - Eunice Magira-Hawkins
  4. Humanitarian & Community Service - Dr. Jacobet Edith Wambayi, PhD
  5. Arts, Music & Cultural Preservation - Ligia Van Rosi & Jimmy Van Rosi

Micro-Grant Youth Project Participants Funded by Canada Service Corps

Rhythms of Change: Shannice Thomas' Transformative Journey with Micro-Grant Youth Program

Shannice Thomas shares her journey on her initiative; Black youth music program during a workshop held on December 2, 2023.

  

Nurturing Independence: Shania Ramirez's Empowering Journey with Micro-Grant Youth Program

Shania Ramirez shares her journey on her initiative; Empower and educate black youth on self-autonomy during a workshop held on December 2, 2023.

Empowering Voices: Joyce Molale's Impactful Journey with Micro-Grant Youth Program

Joyce Molale shares her journey on her initiative; In their own voices – disrupting anti-Black racism and hate during a workshop held on December 2, 2023.

  

Empowering Change: Henry Bioh's Inspiring Journey with the Micro-Grant Youth Program

Henry Bioh shares his journey on his initiative; The African Excellence Program for African Youth during a workshop held on December 2, 2023.

Inspiring Tomorrow: Oluwatubi Agbede's Empowering Journey with Micro-Grant Youth Program

Oluwatubi Agbede shares his journey on his initiative; Science outreach program for black youth during a workshop held on December 2, 2023.

  

Reimagining Africa: Empowering Cultural Narratives and Identity

Mosopefoluwa shares her initiative during the workshop on February 3, 2024.  

Recognizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage, Mosope advocates for Africans to embrace indigenous languages, strengthening ties to ancestral roots and promoting diverse cultures. Mosope's project, "Reimagining Africa," aims to showcase the continent's cultural heritage through a multimedia campaign, fostering global appreciation and understanding. 

 

Hoops for Empowerment: Malko Young's Basketball Initiative with Micro-Grant Youth Program

Malko Young shares his initiative during a workshop on February 3, 2024.

Dedicated to youth empowerment through basketball, Malko's "Improved Basketball Skills" program enhances participants' abilities in dribbling, shooting, and teamwork. By fostering physical fitness and leadership, Malko's holistic approach emphasizes character development, life skills, and mentorship, promoting confidence, academic success, and community engagement.

  

Empowering Black Students: Akera Otto’s STEM Access Initiative with Micro-Grant Youth Program

Akera Otto outlines his vision during a workshop on February 3, 2024.

Inspired by a Black student Hackathon he attended; Akera aims to transform their Python 3 program into a user-friendly app. With the grant, they plan to refine the code and hire a computer scientist by November. By January, beta testing will commence at McMaster University. Akera's project aims to empower Black students in STEM, providing vital resources and opportunities.

 

Cultivating Cultural Connections: Odilia's Community Engagement initiative

Odilia Nkosi shares her vision during the workshop on February 3, 2024.

Inspired by her heritage, Odilia plans to use the grant to organize cultural events like music performances and language classes, as well as a community roller skating night. These initiatives aim to promote cultural preservation and community engagement.

  

 

Empowering Sustainable Fashion: Melody's Clothing Swap Initiative with Micro-Grant Youth Program

Melody Vuliye shares her initiative during a workshop on February 3, 2024.

Melody’s project, "The Clothing Swap Initiative," focuses on hosting three clothing swap events across GTA colleges and universities. These events aim to promote sustainable fashion practices and reduce textile waste in the communities. By providing students with a platform to exchange clothing items, Melody and team foster conscious consumption and community engagement.

The goal is to empower youth with affordable, high-quality clothing options while advocating for sustainability and the circular economy. Through breaking financial barriers and encouraging clothing reuse and recycling, they aim to create a sense of community and inspire a greener future.

 

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Contact Information

Kenyan Canadian Association - KCA
Brampton | Toronto | Ottawa | Winnipeg | Calgary | Vancouver
Telephone: +1 888-448-6225
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.kcacanada.org 
           | @kcacanada

National Head Office:
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226 Bathurst St, Unit 250
Toronto ON M5T 2R9		 Brampton Office:
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18 Regan Rd, Unit 28
Brampton ON L7A 1C2

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