Sofifran introduces newcomers to Canadian community life

As it does every year, the organization Sofifran held a festive event to strengthen the ties between Niagara’s Francophone communities and newcomers. On the program: gifts for the children, entertainment and shared moments that reflect the spirit of solidarity and integration this region is known for.

Olaïsha Francis, Local Journalism Initiative, Réseau.Presse, Le Régional

As it does every year, Sofifran kept up its holiday traditions with an event that brought together Francophone families and newcomers from the Niagara region. It was a chance to celebrate together, and also to hand out gift cards to immigrant children, a gesture that 137 young people appreciated this year.

“The holiday party is a key event, open to every Francophone community. We take the opportunity to give gifts to the children, which is always a great pleasure,” explains Fété Ngira-Batware Kimpiobi, executive director of Sofifran.

Newcomers also shared their impressions of the evening, which took place in the Sacred Heart parish hall in Welland.

Aka Effoli, who recently arrived from Côte d’Ivoire, welcomed the chance to meet other people. “Here we learn to open up to differences and to adapt. Back home, people often stay focused on their own culture, but here everything is more open,” she says. For Roseline Mbaca, who came from Cameroon, the evening was an “enriching” experience that showed her new ways of celebrating. “Where I come from, everyone knows everyone and parties end much later. But here, it is a lovely chance to build connections and meet people.”

The holiday spirit is also a matter of perception, whether it comes from time spent with loved ones, from lights on the houses or from a warm meal shared with others. For some, the magic is in music or in reading, but above all it takes a personal shape and follows each family’s own traditions.

During the evening, local artist Suzanne Leclerc led a program for children and parents, with stories, riddles, songs and dances. The way she connected with the children left a lasting impression. The event was also a chance to gather participants’ views on the activities offered, a way to better meet the community’s expectations.

The festivities carried on with music and a meal prepared by a member of the community. Participants danced all evening, and many people joined in, including community members who rarely come to other activities.

“Bringing the community together can be a challenge at times, but an event like this shows that our program is well suited to the needs of the people we serve. It is a real pleasure to contribute to an initiative that supports living well together, a priority for the Canadian government,” concludes Fété Ngira-Batware Kimpiobi.

In a country like Canada, where self-reliance is often the norm, events that bring together people from many cultural backgrounds are essential to encourage inclusion and strengthen social ties.

Photo: Sofifran’s holiday party is always a unifying activity. (Credit: Sofifran)