Umoja Operation Compassion Society of British Columbia

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Umoja Compassion Society of British Columbia is a non profit society formed in 2002 to work with low income immigrants living in the British Columbia the lower mainland.

Black History Month, 2026 Part 3/3 ✨Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Iftar Dinner (February 27)The Ahmadiyya Community’s commi...
03/23/2026

Black History Month, 2026 Part 3/3 ✨

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Iftar Dinner (February 27)

The Ahmadiyya Community’s commitment to peace through dialogue is recognized, and at this inaugural Black History Month gathering. Jonathan Cauri reflected on “Legacy, Values, and Belonging” within an emergent multi-cultural reality.

As we reflect on the many moments shared this past Black History Month, the most fitting response to the experience of the Black diaspora—and resiliency of marginalized groups everywhere—is to look forward: acknowledging the tragedy of erasure but choosing to focus on its cautionary lessons.

In doing so, we shape a future where diversity is viewed—not as a threat to privilege—but as a source of collective strength, creative power, and shared possibility. Doing so is not a favour extended to others but a gift to oneself.

Black History Month, 2026 Part 2/3 ✨University of Victoria Panel (February 9)UMOJA President Dr. Amos Kambere co-facilit...
03/23/2026

Black History Month, 2026 Part 2/3 ✨

University of Victoria Panel (February 9)

UMOJA President Dr. Amos Kambere co-facilitated a panel with African students at UVIC on “Democracy Through Dialogue: Africa, the Next Great Frontier.” Organized by community advocate Debbie Bell, the discussion explored Africa’s vast potential vis-à-vis challenges to effective governance within a neo-colonial context.

Black Poetry Night (February 12) – Wild Fires Bookshop, New Westminster

A thoughtfully curated evening of open mic poetry by Salwa and Khadija at brought community together in a warm, intimate literary lounge setting to explore themes of resilience, identity, and hope. We extend our many thanks to Samita 💐

Black History Month, 2026 Part 1/3 ✨The 2026 Black History Month was alive with a kaleidoscope of colour, culture, and r...
03/23/2026

Black History Month, 2026 Part 1/3 ✨

The 2026 Black History Month was alive with a kaleidoscope of colour, culture, and reflection. UMOJA was pleased to participate in several notable events:

Horn to Home Art Exhibition (February 7) – Daily Dose of Blackness

A sophisticated showcase of emerging Canadian artists of Horn of Africa heritage, invited reflection on identity, belonging, and the meaning of home.

UMOJA’s Executive Director, Jonathan Cauri, shared remarks on the Power of the Arts and the Essence of Identity and Worth.

On the evening of Friday, December 19, 2025, UMOJA’s leadership hosted staff and their families for a lively gathering f...
02/06/2026

On the evening of Friday, December 19, 2025, UMOJA’s leadership hosted staff and their families for a lively gathering filled with great food, games, and fellowship, in gratitude for a year of meaningful community impact.

Our team cares deeply about their work and the community they serve. Hence, creating space for an evening of connection, celebration, and reflection felt both fitting and well-deserved.

One of the evening’s highlights was a presentation by the Uganda Medical Mission’s “Dream Team”—Kule (A.J.) Kambere, Belineda Bellune, Stanley Senathipathy, and Zabrina Kerr—who shared on their recently completed and highly successful medical mission to Rwentutu, Western Uganda.

The four third-year Canadian medical students at the American University of Antigua (https://www.auamed.org/) are honing their expertise through hands-on experiences locally and abroad, a critical and strategic step in their professional development.

Thank you to the community volunteers, ably coordinated by our School’s Out Program Assistant, Ms. Tulivu Wamai. Their efforts and sacrifice made the event possible—freeing our hardworking staff to relax, reflect, and strengthen connections.

Knowledge sharing among service providers is a powerful instrument that empowers those on the front lines for even great...
02/04/2026

Knowledge sharing among service providers is a powerful instrument that empowers those on the front lines for even greater impact through mutual affirmation, shared reflection, and the identification of organizational blind spots that can limit agency.

Thanks to Heidi Glasgow of the Sources Infant Development Team for the kind invitation to visit with her team on January 14th to share lessons learned through UMOJA’s own community outreach work.

UMOJA’s representatives shared broadly on our service model, with a particular focus on cultural responsiveness. Through the brief but rich conversation, the Sources team raised thoughtful questions, primarily related to Early Years outreach among newcomer families with children ages 0 to 6, as informed by their own extensive experience in this context.

Our organizations have enjoyed a long and impactful collaboration in various forms, and more recently in food security through the Seeds of Change initiative. The diversification of this collaboration into additional thematic areas is truly welcomed, as it strengthens our collective capacity to better serve newcomer families.

As we emerge into what is proving to be a very busy start to 2026, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude for the...
02/04/2026

As we emerge into what is proving to be a very busy start to 2026, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude for the spirit of goodwill that characterized the recent Christmas holiday season.

The community’s generosity shown toward our newcomer families was outstanding—not only exceeding expectations but also surpassing giving levels in past seasons. It enabled multiple newcomers to experience memorable and dignified Christmas and New Year celebrations. The gratitude was evident, with many expressing a desire to pay it forward as they find long-term integration and economic stability.

Special thanks to our faithful champions—Ruth Beardsley and her husband; the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church; Hogan’s Alley, the Surrey Food Bank; City Reach; Sources/Seeds of Change partnership, and I Am Enough Society, among others—for their impactful support. It is not taken for granted!

Our clients arrived at the Umoja Christmas party full of excitement and ready to celebrate ✨From Christmas Bingo and rid...
12/18/2025

Our clients arrived at the Umoja Christmas party full of excitement and ready to celebrate ✨

From Christmas Bingo and riddles to gifts for everyone, the joy filled the room. We ended the day with refreshments, laughter, dancing and meaningful moments shared between families and children.

As we close the Fall term, we are proud of the progress made through our Literacy Program. Students strengthened their reading and writing skills, built confidence in communication, developed peer support networks and increased their self-sufficiency. A wonderful way to end the year together 💛

Umoja recently hosted a two-part Resume Creation Seminar featuring guest presenter Dr. Oluchi Omogbai and Motivational S...
12/05/2025

Umoja recently hosted a two-part Resume Creation Seminar featuring guest presenter Dr. Oluchi Omogbai and Motivational Speaker Irene Nviiri. The sessions equipped participants with practical job-readiness tools while inspiring confidence, self-awareness, and a renewed sense of possibility.

Attendees learned the importance of networking, recognizing their unique strengths, and embracing the value they bring as immigrants—from cultural knowledge to language skills that help build stronger, more inclusive communities.

Feedback was incredibly positive, with many participants sharing that they left feeling motivated, empowered, and better prepared for their job search.
A big thank-you to everyone who joined and helped make this event a meaningful experience! Umoja is pleased to offer a conversation that feels truly relatable to participants representing diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.

Over the past few weeks, Umoja partnered with CityHive Vancouver in a series of workshops led by Mackenzie and Jose, ex...
11/10/2025

Over the past few weeks, Umoja partnered with CityHive Vancouver in a series of workshops led by Mackenzie and Jose, exploring public space activation, civic engagement and youth-led design.

These workshops created intentional space for youth to share ideas, collaborate and reimagine how public spaces can better reflect their needs, creativity and leadership. For many participants, it was an empowering experience that affirmed their capacity to shape meaningful change within their communities.

The series concluded in high spirits with reflection, laughter and connection, reminding us that joy and community are central to authentic engagement and collective growth.

We are grateful to CityHive and to Mackenzie and Jose for their thoughtful collaboration and commitment to amplifying youth voice. We look forward to continuing this partnership and creating more spaces where youth leadership, belonging and voice shape our communities.

Many thanks also to United Way BC - Lower Mainland United Way British Columbia for supporting our future leaders program over the years. Also to Rogers Communications through their 2025 Youth Grants fund.

A particularly successful year of outreach means that UMOJA is on target to reach over 100 unique youth through a variety of enriching immersive experiences!

Congratulations to the 19 graduates of our hugely popular 10-week Digital Literacy Program! 👏🏾A highlight for this quart...
10/29/2025

Congratulations to the 19 graduates of our hugely popular 10-week Digital Literacy Program! 👏🏾

A highlight for this quarter was the palpable excitement at our September 13th graduation. This is proof of just how appreciated this program has been for many newcomers entering our space with little to no prior digital knowledge.

This event was especially meaningful as it included 13 women who completed a two-month summer pilot dedicated to newcomer women. Inspired by the success of the now established men’s class, the women’s program is now officially in place, with 11 participants currently enrolled with more on the waitlist. Interestingly, our men’s outreach was originally inspired by feedback from women who felt that the men in their lives were underserved—a true example of community-driven programming coming full circle!

In addition to a strong digital skills foundation, our accessible training model also includes practical life skills e.g., employment readiness, cultural transition, family life, and financial literacy etc. Together, these elements build self-reliance, resilience, and confidence!

Heartfelt thanks to  for helping bridge a funding shortfall and sustain the program through 2025 via the August Black Philanthropy Month campaign—and to  for their impactful initial investment through the 2023 CRSF fund. Also, to the via the Community Gaming Grants program.

A few more photos from our first Family Day Community Conversation — moments of teamwork, joy, and shared learning ✨This...
10/21/2025

A few more photos from our first Family Day Community Conversation — moments of teamwork, joy, and shared learning ✨

This initiative was made possible through a timely and generous donation from United Way BC - Lower Mainland through the Emergency Fund. Their support helps sustain community-led efforts that bring families together to heal and strengthen relationships across our communities.

On September 30, the Eritrean community came together for what will become a monthly gathering for parents and youth. Th...
10/21/2025

On September 30, the Eritrean community came together for what will become a monthly gathering for parents and youth. The series is dedicated to Healing and Reconciliation in Our Families and Community.

Facilitated by community leaders Markos and Kievit, alongside youth leaders Merry and Alex, the event created space for shared meals, reflection, and open dialogue across generations. Parents discussed strategies for strengthening relationships with their teens, while youth explored ways to communicate openly with their parents about their goals and experiences.

Through these moments of listening and learning, families began a collective journey toward healing and deeper intergenerational understanding.

Umoja is honored to continue walking alongside this
community-led effort to strengthen relationships and nurture a future rooted in dialogue, reflection and community care.

Thank you United Way BC - Lower Mainland for your timely partnerhip!

Address

208/14888 104 Avenue
Surrey, BC
V3R1M4

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

(604) - 581 - 5574

Website

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