Our History
Eritrea is located in the Horn of Africa. It is approximately the same size as Nov Scotia and is located on the Red Sea coast between the Sudan, Ethiopia and Djibouti. Eritrea has a population of 5.2 million.
It is estimated that over 2000 Eritreans currently reside in Winnipeg. The first Eritrean refugees came to Winnipeg in 1982 and joined a small group of Eritrean students who came from Saudi Arabia from 1975 to 1981. Most of them were single and under thirty years old. Realizing the need of a strong community advocate to voice their concern, they formed the Eritrean Community in Winnipeg Inc. in 1983
The ECW is a non-political, non-profit, community-based organization. It was registered as an incorporated entity in 1985. The organization is run by the board of directors and numerous volunteers. The mission of the organization is to strengthen the existing community networks of Eritreans living in Winnipeg, and to form new support networks to facilitate the adaptation and integration of Eritrean immigrants arriving in Winnipeg.
The ECW acts as a link between its members and Canadian society. New Eritrean newcomers are guided and given information. ECW provides workshops, youth activities; cultural shows organize picnics, celebrate Eritrean national holidays and provide support in response of the community in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner. In a very limited scope, it also provides settlement services such as interpretation, affordable housing, assisting in citizenship test, job search and sponsoring family members. The Community also tries to bridge the cultural gaps within the framework of Multiculturalism.
Since its inception, the ECW has been assisting fellow Eritreans with their unique process of settlement. Getting the support at the first phase of settlement is crucial and requires immediate attention regarding housing, health, education, and employment.
Traditionally, Eritrean communities are centered on the extended family, which functions as a highly cohesive support unit. This is a cornerstone of the culture, and is was not always possible in Winnipeg. The ECW tries to fill this cultural gap.
The Eritrean Community in Winnipeg Inc. recently celebrated 25 years of operation in Manitoba. The community presently runs several projects on language and heritage, youth and intergenerational issues, arts, and sports.
