Culture that Connects

Creating connections across cultures so everyone feels seen, valued, and at home in Halton.

Jean Assamoa, Founder and Director, Akwaba Cultural Exchange

By Jean Assamoa

I am the Founder and Director of Akwaba Cultural Exchange, and this organization represents both my personal journey and my life’s purpose. When I arrived in Canada from Côte d’Ivoire, I carried with me a deep desire to build bridges between cultures and to help others find the same sense of belonging that I was searching for. Akwaba — which means “welcome” — was born from that dream. It’s important to me because it gives voice to people who are often unseen and celebrates the contributions of all communities. Through our programs and the Milton African and Multicultural Festival, I see how culture can heal, connect, and empower. This work reminds me every day that inclusion and understanding are the foundations of a stronger, more united community.

What I love most about Akwaba Cultural Exchange is seeing how culture can bring people together. Every time I watch children dancing to rhythms from different parts of the world, or families sharing food and stories during our festival, I see true connection and joy. I appreciate how our work helps people feel seen, respected, and proud of who they are. It’s powerful to witness newcomers finding belonging and community members discovering the richness of cultures they might not have known before. This sense of unity and shared humanity is what inspires me to keep going every day.

Through Akwaba Cultural Exchange, we are building connections across cultures, empowering youth, and creating spaces where everyone feels seen and valued. I would love to see even more opportunities for collaboration with other community organizations, schools, and local businesses to expand the reach and impact of our programs. I would also like to see more community members actively engaging with our events and workshops — sharing their own stories, learning from each other, and helping us foster a stronger sense of unity in Halton. By growing these connections, we can create an even more vibrant, inclusive, and supportive community for everyone.

Looking ahead, I would love to see Akwaba Cultural Exchange continue to grow as a hub for cultural celebration, learning, and connection in Halton. I hope to expand our programs to reach more youth and families, offer additional workshops that highlight diverse cultural traditions, and strengthen partnerships with local organizations, schools, and businesses. Ultimately, I want Akwaba to inspire more people to participate in building inclusive communities, where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels a sense of belonging. By continuing to share stories, arts, and experiences, we can create lasting impact and deepen the positive change we bring to the community.

To make our next steps successful, Akwaba Cultural Exchange needs the support and collaboration of the Halton community. This includes partnerships with local organizations, schools, and businesses, as well as volunteers who are passionate about inclusion and cultural celebration. We also welcome community members to participate in our events, share their stories, and help amplify our message. Financial support, sponsorships, and in-kind contributions are invaluable in helping us sustain and expand our programs. By coming together as a community, we can ensure that more youth, families, and residents experience the joy, learning, and connection that Akwaba brings — creating a stronger, more inclusive Halton for everyone.

If Akwaba Cultural Exchange continues to grow with strong community support, we could create a more connected and inclusive Halton, where every resident feels seen, valued, and empowered to contribute. Youth would have greater opportunities to explore their cultural identities and build confidence through arts and mentorship programs. Communities could come together across cultural boundaries, fostering understanding, collaboration, and shared pride. By amplifying diverse voices and celebrating differences, we could inspire other organizations to collaborate, creating a network of support and innovation that strengthens the social fabric of Halton. Together, we could make inclusion, cultural understanding, and community engagement not just possible, but a defining characteristic of our region.

Story curated by Phillip McAllister

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This post is part of a larger CDH Member Story Project. The intent is to share the depth of our non-profit sector, name how community can support and imagine together what is possible through the non-profit sector to ensure Halton is a health, inclusive and resilient place to live.

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