ABOUT
Our Commitment
The Council for Advancement of African Canadians in Alberta (CAAC), operating as Africa Centre, was incorporated in 2006.
We are the largest pan African non-profit organization in western Canada, serving as a community hub that provides programs and services from a place of cultural awareness and competency to the families in our diverse community.
We acknowledge the diversity of our cultural background as a source of the strength that brings capacity and competencies to shape a thriving community in Alberta. We have a strong African indigenous cultural foundation incorporated across our programs and services.
VISION
A strong, relevant and engaged African descent community in Alberta
MISSION
Create opportunities for access and full participation of the African descent community in Alberta
Our Core Values
Integrity
We believe that all our interactions with members, partners and stakeholders are the reflections of our integrity; we, therefore, maintain high ethical standards.
Accountability
We are accountable to our members, donors, funders, and partners to use resources to improve the lives of our community.
Responsiveness
We strive to be accessible, adaptable, and responsive, to demonstrate a sense of urgency in all our services and the support we provide to our community.
Inclusivity
We foster inclusivity in all aspects of life, we keep an open mind and embrace positive challenge as our institutional culture.
Respect
We believe in respect and dignity for everyone. Therefore, we are guided by respect for human dignity.
Passion
We believe that our purposeful actions will ultimately make the difference we envision in our community, and we believe this can only be achieved through passion and volunteerism.
Excellence
We are committed to investing quality time in excellent services that enrich the lives of our community.
Our Approach
We strive to create opportunities for full access and participation of all Albertans in all aspects of society including economic, social, cultural and educational endeavours and contributes to the holistic development and wellness of individuals, family and community.
We use the following five pillars in carrying out our mission:
Cultural Identity
Promoting and maintaining the unique cultural Identity of African heritage, intergenerational cultural preservation and a sense of belonging.
Advancement and Empowerment
Reduce inequality by improving the quality of lives of the communities through the empowerment of the diverse demographics and cultural heritages.
Integration
Improving the economic and social participation of the African descent population into Canadian society and culture.
Resource Diversification and Organizational Sustainability
prioritize the development and integration of a detailed sustainability vision into its long-term strategic plan in a way that will create lasting value while also creating public trust.
Leadership
Embedding leadership excellence as a foundational value across all organisational functions through commitment to actively develop leaders and support their growth. We intend to be known for the leaders who work with us and the leaders we empower and send out into the community.
Our Strategic Goals
1
Develop a common understanding of the meaning of culture and identity
2
Create a physical presence for Africa Centre
3
Reduce social isolation and facilitate intergenerational cultural preservation.
4
Provide a nurturing environment among African-descent youth that fosters healthy relationships, inclusivity and resilience.
5
Facilitate culturally relevant and affordable early learning and child care programs
6
Promote gender equality and advancement of women
7
Improve employment opportunities through skills development and career support
8
Influence and improve the settlement experience and outcomes through partnership support
9
Contribute to the economic inclusion by strengthening African descent business sector
10
Strengthen organizational diversification and financial growth
11
Build and maintain effective and efficient governance systems
12
Ensure sound decision making throughout the organization
13
Embed leadership excellence as a foundational value across all organizational functions
Our Partners & Funders
