You are Welcome

Building belonging, cultural exchange, and unity through arts, education, and community celebration. 

By Jean Assamoa 

“Akwaba” means welcome. When you go to the African coast, people say Akwaba — very welcome. It tells you; we accept your visit, we accept that you come to our country, our place. For me, Akwaba is more than a project. It is a commitment to fostering positive change and community building. 

When I came to Canada on July 15, 2008, my main idea was to get involved in the community. But to participate in community life, you need a platform. Before I could invite people to join me, I needed something that reflected my philosophy — to accept everybody and welcome everybody to the journey. That is how Akwaba began. 

Akwaba represents both my personal journey and my life’s purpose. I believe in the power of cultural exchange. By building bridges, we can create understanding and contribute to a sense of belonging and well-being in our community. That belief led to initiatives that advocate for social and economic inclusion, address income inequality, and support underrepresented communities. 

One of the ways we do this is through the Milton African and Multicultural Festival. It is a celebration of heritage, of the stories that shape us, and of the dreams that propel us forward. The festival reminds us that diversity is our greatest strength. By embracing each other’s uniqueness, we enrich our lives together. Through music, art, storytelling, drumming, dance, and shared experiences, people from many backgrounds come together across cultures and generations. 

My mission is to create opportunities for youth and adults in low-income neighbourhoods, helping them find empowerment through arts education and social programs. This work has allowed me to witness the impact of community-driven initiatives that go beyond gathering people together. They build trust, offer support, and create lasting foundations. 

Each year, the festival grows. We are expanding activities, honouring leaders who advocate for unity, and working to broaden access and participation. In every initiative, my aim is to break down barriers and promote understanding. I believe this is essential for a stronger, more creative community. 

To make our next steps successful, Akwaba 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 welcome community members and organizations to participate in our events, share their programs, and build something together. 

If all these good things continue to happen, we can create a community where people feel seen, respected, and invited to participate fully. For me, being present, sharing culture, and welcoming others is more than work — it is what it means to be human in our society. 

Akwaba. You are welcome. 

Story curated by Phillip McAllister 

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. 

Are you a CDH member and want to let your story to the project. You can get started HERE.