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Stories of new life in paint, exceptional ‘rock painting’ event for new families

A piece of rock. A brush stroke on it. Although it may look ordinary, for a new child it can become a piece of memory to remember his country. For a parent, it can be a beautiful means of showcasing his culture in a new country. With such a thought, an exceptional ‘rock painting’ program has been organized for new families living in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This creative event will be held at the organizers’ office from 11 am to 12 noon on Friday, July 24. The participating families will draw pictures of their choice on smooth rocks with paint and brushes. Some may draw the flag of their country, some the national flower, some will draw a childhood village or a scene of nature. Each picture will be a personal story, an identity of a culture.

According to the organizers, many families initially face loneliness, language barriers, and social isolation when they arrive in a new country. Such events not only help children develop their creativity, but also play an important role in building identity, friendship, and mutual understanding between people from different countries.

Let’s say the Rahman family arrived in St. John’s from Bangladesh a few months ago. Eight-year-old Ayesha has yet to make many friends at her new school. In the rock painting program, she draws the national flower of Bangladesh, the lotus, on a rock, and a red maple leaf next to it. After finishing the picture, she tells the other children the story of her drawing. On the other hand, her mother draws the green fields and rivers of the village on another rock.

Soon, other families in the neighborhood also start telling their stories. Some come from Ukraine, some from Syria, some from the Philippines, and some from Nigeria. Although the languages ​​are different, the language of colors becomes one for everyone. At the end of this one-hour event, they not only return home with colorful rocks, but also take with them new identities, new friendships, and a sense of being part of a new community.

According to the organizers, such small initiatives strengthen multicultural societies. Because, the most beautiful way to know each other’s cultures is to share stories, and art is one of the easiest ways to tell those stories.

Advance registration is required to participate in the event. All types of paints, brushes and necessary materials will be provided by the organizers. As the number of seats is limited, interested parties are urged to register quickly.

Registration link: https://forms.gle/LVEQUozxsy7gx7X2A

 

A Flag Is More Than Fabric: Tombolo’s Multicultural Parade Celebrates the Love of Country and the Unity of Canada

ST. JOHN’S, NL: A national flag is never just a piece of cloth.

It carries the memories of childhood, the voices of parents, the sacrifices of freedom fighters, the beauty of home, and the dreams of millions. It represents identity, history, culture, and the unbreakable bond between people and the country they love.

For immigrants and newcomers, that emotional connection never fades.

Thousands of kilometres away from their birthplace, many still stop with pride when they see the flag of their homeland. It reminds them of the streets where they grew up, the festivals they celebrated, the language they speak, and the people they left behind in search of a better future.

That powerful emotion will come alive on Thursday, July 23, when people from around the world gather at the St. John’s Farmers’ Market for the NL Multiculturalism Celebration Flag Parade, organized by Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL.

The parade is not about politics or borders. It is about love.

It is about the love every person carries for the country that shaped them, while proudly embracing the country that has given them a new beginning.

You can leave your country, but your country never leaves your heart. Your flag is your identity, your memories, and your pride,” said a Tombolo organizer.

As participants proudly carry the flags of Bangladesh, India, Ukraine, Nigeria, the Philippines, Brazil, China, Pakistan, Syria, and many other nations, each flag will tell a unique story. Some represent joyful memories. Others represent journeys marked by sacrifice, courage, and hope.

Many newcomers describe seeing their national flag in Canada as an emotional moment. It reminds them that although they now call Newfoundland and Labrador home, they will never forget where their journey began.

The event also sends an important message to the next generation.

Children born or raised in Canada will walk beside their parents carrying the flag of their family’s homeland, learning that embracing Canadian values does not require forgetting their cultural roots. They can proudly love both the country of their heritage and the country they now call home.

That is the true spirit of multiculturalism.

Canada’s strength has always come from people who brought their languages, traditions, cultures, and dreams from every corner of the world. Every flag in the parade adds another colour to Canada’s multicultural identity.

For Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL, the Flag Parade is more than an event. It is a celebration of respect, belonging, and shared humanity. It reminds everyone that loving your homeland and contributing to Canada are not competing values. They go hand in hand.

On the evening of July 23, dozens of flags will rise together beneath the Newfoundland sky. Each one will represent a nation’s history. Together, they will represent one united community.

Because a flag is more than fabric. It is the heartbeat of a nation, the memory of a people, and the pride we carry wherever life takes us.

July 23: Tombolo’s Newfoundland and Labrador Multicultural Celebration to Feature Pepo Menchaca, Ikirezi, Bolaji Balogun and More Than 40 Cultural Exhibitors

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — The vibrant cultures of Newfoundland and Labrador will take center stage as the Newfoundland and Labrador Multiculturalism Celebration returns on Thursday, July 23, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the St. John’s Farmers’ Market, bringing together communities from around the world for an evening of food, music, dance, fashion, and friendship.

Organized by the Tombolo Multicultural Festival, the event will feature more than 40 local and newcomer food and craft exhibitors representing over 30 countries, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the rich cultural diversity that continues to shape the province.

The celebration will officially begin with an Opening Ceremony at 6:30 p.m., followed by an exciting lineup of international performances showcasing traditions from across the globe.

The evening’s entertainment includes Mexican folk music by Pepo Menchaca, an International Fashion Show, energetic Burundian traditional dance performed by Ikirezi, and a unique musical collaboration featuring Newfoundland and Peruvian folk music by Maia Mckeown.

Following a short break, the audience will enjoy the powerful rhythms of African drumming by Bolaji Balogun, before witnessing one of the festival’s most anticipated highlights, the Parade of Countries Represented in Newfoundland and Labrador, celebrating the province’s multicultural communities.

The program will continue with country music by Zay Nova from Indonesia, a blend of rock and pop performed by Eldin Husic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and conclude with an evening of international dancing open to everyone before the event wraps up at 10:00 p.m.

Beyond the stage, visitors will be able to explore a multicultural marketplace featuring authentic international cuisine, handmade crafts, cultural displays, and opportunities to connect with newcomers, local organizations, and community leaders.

The event is organized by the Tombolo Multicultural Festival with support from community partners including the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, We Care Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador, Memorial University, St. John’s Farmers’ Market, the Multicultural Women’s Organization of Newfoundland and Labrador (MWONL), and the Association for New Canadians (ANC).

Organizers say the celebration is more than a festival—it is a reflection of Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing diversity and a chance to strengthen community connections through culture, music, food, and shared experiences.

Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to attend this free community celebration and experience the traditions, talents, and stories that make Newfoundland and Labrador one of Canada’s most welcoming multicultural communities.

From the World Cup to the Community: Tombolo Keeps the Spirit of Soccer Alive in Newfoundland and Labrador

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador — As the curtain falls on the FIFA World Cup 2026, the excitement surrounding the world’s biggest sporting event may be fading, but for hundreds of soccer lovers in Newfoundland and Labrador, the journey is only beginning.

Building on the overwhelming success of its recent multicultural soccer initiatives, Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL has officially launched its Multicultural Recreational Soccer Program, creating a year round platform where newcomers and local residents can come together through the universal language of football.

The initiative follows the tremendous response to Tombolo’s Canada Multicultural Day Friendly Soccer Match, where players representing more than a dozen countries shared the field in a celebration of diversity, friendship, and community spirit. The event drew families, volunteers, and spectators from across the province, proving that soccer can unite people beyond nationality, language, and culture.

“We realized after our multicultural soccer match that people didn’t want the experience to end,” said Tombolo organizers. “Participants kept asking when they could play together again. That’s how the idea of a permanent recreational soccer program was born.”

For many newcomers, arriving in a new country often means leaving behind family, friends, and familiar surroundings. Tombolo believes sport can help bridge that gap.

One participant, Mohammed Hassan, who arrived in Newfoundland from Sudan last year, admitted he knew very few people before joining Tombolo’s soccer activities.

I came to Canada alone. During the first few months I mostly stayed at home after work. When I joined Tombolo’s soccer event, I met people from Canada, Bangladesh, Ukraine, Nigeria, Syria and many other countries. Today, some of them are my closest friends. Soccer gave me a community.

Another participant, Alejandra Rodriguez, an international student from Colombia, said the event helped her feel welcomed.

Back home, soccer was always part of my life. Playing here made me forget that I was far from home. It wasn’t about winning. It was about belonging.

Stories like theirs have encouraged Tombolo to transform a one day event into a year round recreational program.

Unlike competitive leagues, Tombolo’s recreational soccer program welcomes everyone regardless of experience or skill level. Whether someone has played for years or is touching a soccer ball for the very first time, everyone is invited.

Participants will enjoy monthly friendly practices, community tournaments, family sporting events, and multicultural celebrations throughout the year.

The program is open to:

      • Men (18+)

      • Women (18+)

      • Youth Boys (12 to 17)

      • Youth Girls (12 to 17)

    Organizers hope the initiative will improve physical health, reduce social isolation among newcomers, encourage youth participation, and strengthen relationships between diverse communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.

    The recent multicultural soccer match demonstrated the growing demand for inclusive sporting opportunities. Players from numerous cultural backgrounds competed side by side while families cheered from the sidelines. Volunteers from different organizations worked together to make the event a success, creating an atmosphere that reflected Canada’s multicultural values.

    Organizers say many participants remained after the final whistle to exchange phone numbers, take group photographs, and discuss future matches, highlighting that the event had become much more than a soccer game.

    Encouraged by that response, Tombolo decided to establish a regular recreational program where friendships formed on the field could continue to grow.

    While the FIFA World Cup 2026 showcased the world’s greatest football stars on the biggest stage, Tombolo’s vision is to bring that same passion into neighbourhood parks and community fields.

    “The World Cup inspires millions,” organizers said. “Our goal is to transform that inspiration into community action. We want people to stay active, make friends, and celebrate cultural diversity every month, not just every four years.”

    Registration for the Tombolo Multicultural Recreational Soccer Program is now open, and community members are encouraged to join one of the following divisions:

    ⚽ Men (18+): https://forms.gle/3ScLriBZhDVw4BnZA

    ⚽ Women (18+): https://forms.gle/eqE628Bz6TP5rqxM9

    ⚽ Youth Boys (12–17): https://forms.gle/5kQ6kFrxhNLbXaLM6

    ⚽ Youth Girls (12–17): https://forms.gle/P1EAMcRc3Sk3nh1b9

    Registration is free, and no previous competitive soccer experience is required. Whether participants are newcomers to the game or lifelong football enthusiasts, everyone is welcome to enjoy monthly recreational practices, community events, and the opportunity to build lasting friendships through sport.

    As the final whistle of the World Cup approaches, Tombolo is sending a simple message to soccer lovers across Newfoundland and Labrador:

    The tournament may end, but the beautiful game and the friendships it creates can last a lifetime.

    One Game. Many Cultures. One Community.

    From Kitchens to Cameras: Tombolo Multicultural Variety Show Season 4 Brings the World’s Flavours to Newfoundland and Labrador

    ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — Every great dish tells a story. It carries generations of tradition, memories of home, and the unique identity of a culture. This spring, those stories came to life in kitchens across St. John’s as cameras followed newcomer chefs from around the world, capturing not only the preparation of their signature dishes but also the passion, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit behind them.

    Over three months of filming, the Tombolo Multicultural Variety Show transformed local restaurants, catering kitchens, and community spaces into vibrant television sets where culture met cuisine. The result is an inspiring fourth season that celebrates Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing multicultural community through one universal language everyone understands: food.

    With the theme “How It’s Made,” Season 4 offers audiences an authentic, behind the scenes look at how ten beloved ethno cultural dishes are prepared from scratch by newcomer chefs who have built businesses, careers, and new lives in the province. More than a cooking series, the production tells the human stories behind every recipe, showcasing the traditions, family heritage, and determination that continue to enrich communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.

    Filmed between April and June, the season features ten newcomer chefs representing ten cultures, each sharing a signature dish while opening the doors to their kitchens and their journeys.

    Featured chefs and businesses include:

    • Dorcas Akrong and Beatric Karikari of G&M Cuisines, preparing Ghana’s famous Jollof Rice.
    • Liliya Nikishyna of SmachnoUA Restaurant at the Village Mall Food Court, demonstrating traditional Ukrainian Zrazy (Potato Meat Cakes).
    • Hanan Nureddin, sharing the centuries old tradition of making authentic Ethiopian Injera.
    • Claudia Fimbres, owner of Mamacita Mexican Kitchen & Latin Market in Mount Pearl, preparing authentic Mexican Tacos.
    • Lamyae Charifi of Casablanca Bakery & Catering, introducing viewers to Morocco’s celebrated Couscous.
    • Mike Zhang of Basil Leaf, showcasing the techniques behind Thailand’s iconic Pad Thai.
    • Loretta Concesco of Lolly’s Kitchen NL, demonstrating the rich flavours of traditional Butter Chicken.
    • Alishba of Taste of Mediterranean, preparing a fresh and colourful Greek Salad.
    • Safaa Tohme of Safaa’s Syrian Kitchen, revealing the authentic preparation of Chicken Shawarma.
    • Sweenie Tissera of Tissera’s Sri Lankan Fusion, introducing viewers to Sri Lanka’s beloved street food, Kottu.

    Behind every episode was a dedicated production team working alongside chefs, volunteers, and community supporters to capture every detail, from early morning ingredient preparation to the final plated masterpiece. The behind the scenes experience reflected the teamwork, enthusiasm, and cultural exchange that define the Tombolo Multicultural Variety Show.

    Season 4 is about much more than cooking. It is a celebration of the newcomer entrepreneurs who are strengthening Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy while introducing residents to authentic international cuisine. Their restaurants and catering businesses have become gathering places where cultures connect and communities grow stronger.

    The Tombolo Multicultural Variety Show continues to serve as a platform for promoting inclusion, celebrating diversity, and sharing the remarkable stories of newcomers who now proudly call Newfoundland and Labrador home.

    As viewers prepare for the premiere of Season 4, they can expect an unforgettable journey across ten countries, ten cultures, and ten remarkable stories, proving that while recipes may differ, food has the extraordinary power to bring people together.

    Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL Empowers Newcomers Through AI Literacy Workshop and Practical Employment Skills

    July 4, St. John’s : More than 15 newcomers participated in Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL’s AI Literacy & Skills Workshop, held in a hybrid format with both in person and online attendance on July 4. The free workshop introduced participants to practical ways of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support their daily lives, career development, and settlement journey in Canada.

    Hosted at the Tombolo Office in St. John’s, the workshop focused on helping newcomers understand what AI is, how it works, and how it can be used responsibly. Participants learned how AI can assist with writing resumes and cover letters, searching for jobs, translating documents, understanding Canadian systems, improving communication, and completing everyday tasks more efficiently. The session also highlighted the limitations of AI and emphasized the importance of verifying AI generated information before relying on it.

    The workshop was highly interactive, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions, practice using AI tools, and explore real life examples relevant to newcomers. Organizers said the goal was to build confidence in using AI as a practical tool while encouraging responsible and ethical use.

    The response from participants was overwhelmingly positive. More than 15 newcomers attended the workshop, both in person and online, and many described the session as informative, practical, and immediately useful. Several participants expressed interest in attending future workshops on AI, digital literacy, and career development.

    One participant shared that although they had professional experience in their home country, preparing a Canadian style resume and navigating the Canadian job market had been challenging. Language barriers and unfamiliar hiring practices often made the job search stressful.

    After participating in the workshop, the participant learned how AI can help improve resumes and cover letters, prepare for interviews, translate documents, and better understand Canadian systems. The participant said the workshop changed their perception of AI and gave them greater confidence in using technology to support their career goals.

    “Before attending this workshop, I thought AI was only for technology experts. Now I understand how it can help me improve my resume, practice interview questions, and better understand important information. I feel much more confident about my job search,” the participant said.

    Another participant said the workshop demonstrated how AI can simplify everyday activities such as writing professional emails, understanding official documents, and searching for employment opportunities, making it an important resource for newcomers adapting to life in Canada.

    Organizers said digital and AI literacy are becoming essential skills in today’s world. By providing newcomers with practical knowledge and hands on experience, the workshop aimed to reduce barriers to employment, improve digital confidence, and help participants integrate more successfully into Canadian society.

    The success of the workshop reflects the growing demand for accessible AI education among newcomers. Organizers hope to continue offering similar learning opportunities to help newcomers gain the digital skills needed to succeed in their careers and everyday lives in Canada.

    Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL Celebrates Canada Multicultural Day with Energetic Multicultural Soccer Match on June 27

    St. John’s, NL. June 27, 2026:

    A multicultural soccer match held in St. John’s as part of Canada Multiculturalism Day celebrations brought together more than 35 players representing over 20 countries in a lively and inclusive community event.

    The match was organized by Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL and focused on unity, participation, and cultural exchange through sport. Players were mixed into teams to encourage inclusion and interaction among different communities.

    The game was highly competitive and energetic throughout, described by attendees as a “high-voltage” match where neither side gave space or time on the ball. The pace stayed intense from start to finish at the Fortis Canada Complex soccer ground.

    Spectators also praised the level of play, highlighting strong fitness, teamwork, and technical ability from all participants.

    Following the match, all players received certificates from Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL in recognition of their participation in the multicultural celebration.

    Several players shared their thoughts after the event:

    One participant said, “It didn’t feel like just a friendly match. The intensity was real, but the respect was even stronger. I really enjoyed playing with people from so many different countries.”

    Another player commented, “This is something we want more often. Football brings everyone together, and today proved that. We should have regular matches like this.”

    Participants expressed strong enthusiasm overall, with many requesting that similar football events be organized regularly. Along with football, there were also suggestions to include other sports in future community programs to further engage the multicultural community.

    Many participants also noted that the match recreated something they had been missing since moving to Canada. One player explained that he used to play football regularly in his home country but had limited opportunities after arriving in Canada. He added that this match gave him a chance to reconnect with the game, feel included, and enjoy competitive football again in a welcoming environment.

    Organizers highlighted that initiatives like this help bridge that gap for newcomers by providing access to sport, building friendships, and supporting community integration through shared activity.

    The strong response reflects growing interest in grassroots sporting events that bring people together across cultures in Newfoundland and Labrador.

    The event concluded in a celebratory atmosphere, marking another successful example of how sport can unite diverse communities.

    Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL Celebrates Canadian Multiculturalism Day with Vibrant Market and Concert

    ST. JOHN’S, N.L., June 27 — Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL marked Canadian Multiculturalism Day with a colourful Multicultural Market & Concert at the St. John’s Farmers’ Market, bringing together people from diverse cultural backgrounds for an evening of music, dance, food, fashion, and community celebration.

    The event transformed the market into a vibrant cultural gathering, featuring live musical performances, energetic traditional dances, and an international fashion show. Models proudly showcased traditional attire representing countries including Ghana, Chile, Nigeria, Venezuela, the Philippines, India, Mexico, Japan, China, and many others, highlighting the rich cultural diversity that makes Canada unique.

    More than 40 vendors participated in the multicultural market, offering visitors a wide variety of international cuisine, baked goods, handmade crafts, artwork, jewelry, clothing, and cultural products. Guests explored traditions from around the world while supporting local multicultural businesses and artisans.

    The celebration attracted a large crowd and created a welcoming atmosphere where families, newcomers, and long-time residents gathered to experience and appreciate the many cultures that enrich Newfoundland and Labrador.

    “This celebration reflects the strength of our multicultural community and the importance of bringing people together through culture, creativity, and shared experiences,” the organizers said.

    Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL expressed its sincere appreciation to all performers, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, community partners, and attendees whose support made the event a great success.

    The Multicultural Market & Concert showcased the spirit of inclusion, diversity, and unity, leaving participants with lasting memories and reinforcing the value of celebrating the many cultures that call Canada home.

    New Pathways to Success: Tombolo Helps Newcomers Navigate Foreign Credential Recognition

    ST. JOHN’S, NL – For many newcomers arriving in Newfoundland and Labrador, bringing years of education, professional experience, and qualifications from their home countries, one of the biggest challenges is having those credentials recognized in Canada.

    When Maria Santos arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador from the Philippines, she was excited to begin a new chapter in her life. Back home, she had built a successful career in administration and community services, supported her family, and earned professional qualifications through years of hard work. However, shortly after arriving in Canada, she realized that continuing her career would require navigating an unfamiliar credential recognition process.

    “I knew I had the education and experience,” Maria recalled. “But I didn’t know where to start. There were different organizations, requirements, and procedures. It was overwhelming.”

    Maria’s story reflects the experience of many newcomers across Newfoundland and Labrador. Skilled immigrants often arrive with valuable qualifications and years of professional experience, yet many face challenges understanding how to have their credentials recognized and how to access careers that match their expertise.

    Recognizing this need, Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL is launching the Foreign Credentials Recognition Pathway Information Sessions, designed to help newcomers and new immigrants better understand the credential recognition process and connect with valuable resources and support networks.

    The free information sessions will provide practical guidance on credential assessment services, professional regulatory bodies, educational upgrading opportunities, and pathways to employment in Newfoundland and Labrador. Participants will also learn where to find trusted information, how to avoid common mistakes, and what support services are available throughout the process.

    “Many newcomers arrive with valuable skills, education, and professional experience,” said a spokesperson for Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL. “Unfortunately, many are unaware of the resources available to help them navigate credential recognition. These sessions are designed to provide clear information and connect people with the right tools and contacts.”

    For Maria, gaining access to reliable information changed everything.

    “Once I understood the process and knew who to contact, everything became much clearer,” she said. “I wish I had found this information sooner. It would have saved me a lot of time, uncertainty, and stress.”

    In addition to providing information on foreign credential recognition, the sessions will also highlight how Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL and We Care Foundation of NL can support newcomers through mentorship, community connections, educational opportunities, and access to relevant resources.

    Organizers believe that helping newcomers understand and navigate credential recognition is an important step toward building stronger communities and supporting economic growth throughout the province.

    “Newcomers bring incredible talent, knowledge, and international experience to Newfoundland and Labrador,” the spokesperson added. “When we help people fully utilize their skills and qualifications, everyone benefits, including employers, communities, and the provincial economy.”

     

    Event Details

    Foreign Credentials Recognition Pathway Information Sessions

    📅 Dates:
    • Monday, June 15 at 6:00 PM
    • Thursday, June 18 at 6:00 PM

    📍 Location:
    Tombolo Office
    Suite 207, 25 Kenmount Road
    St. John’s, NL

    💻 Virtual participation is also available.

    ✅ Participation is FREE
    ⚠️ Registration is REQUIRED

    🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/YEGKHXtByw4KeZ4F9

    Community members are encouraged to share this opportunity with newcomers and immigrants who may benefit from learning more about foreign credential recognition and career pathways in Newfoundland and Labrador.

    Tombolo Launches Economic and Social Empowerment Program for Newcomers

    ST. JOHN’S, NL, June 2026 — When Amina Rahman arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador with her husband and two children, she thought finding a job would be her biggest challenge. Instead, it was the loneliness.

    Back home, Amina was surrounded by family, friends, and neighbours who knew her well. In Canada, everything was different. Her husband worked long hours, her children quickly adapted to school life, but Amina spent most days alone at home. She wanted to meet people, improve her English, and become more involved in the community, but she did not know where to start.

    “I felt like I was watching life happen around me instead of being part of it,” she recalled. “Everyone was friendly, but I didn’t have the opportunity to build real friendships.”

    Things began to change when she joined a local community cooking group. Through shared meals and conversations, she met people from different cultures, learned about Canadian traditions, and gained confidence speaking English. Those new friendships eventually led her to volunteer opportunities and part-time employment.

    Stories like Amina’s are common among newcomers across Canada. According to settlement organizations, many new immigrants face challenges beyond employment and housing. Social isolation, lack of community connections, cultural adjustment, and limited access to recreational opportunities can significantly affect a newcomer’s well-being and sense of belonging.

    Recognizing these challenges, Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL has launched its new Economic and Social Empowerment Program for Newcomers and New Immigrants, an initiative designed to help individuals and families build meaningful connections while developing practical skills in a welcoming and supportive environment.

    The program will provide a wide range of educational, cultural, recreational, and wellness activities that encourage participants to engage with fellow newcomers and local Canadians alike.

    “Our communities become stronger when newcomers feel connected, valued, and empowered,” program organizers said. “The goal is not only to provide activities but to create opportunities for friendships, confidence-building, cultural exchange, and community participation.”

    Activities planned under the program include:

    • Sewing Classes
    • Cooking Classes
    • Group Hiking
    • Zumba Sessions
    • Multicultural Singing and Dance Lessons
    • Acting Classes
    • Yoga Classes
    • Community Gardening
    • Group Picnics and Potlucks

    Organizers believe that simple community activities can have a profound impact. A cooking class can become a place where friendships begin. A hiking group can help newcomers discover their new surroundings while building social networks. Community gardens can connect people from different cultures through a shared love of growing food.

    For many newcomers, these experiences can be the first step toward feeling truly at home.

    The program also reflects Tombolo’s ongoing commitment to promoting inclusion, diversity, and community engagement throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

    Individuals interested in participating are encouraged to register through the program’s online registration form. Registration will ensure participants receive updates about upcoming activities, schedules, and opportunities to get involved.

    Registration Link: https://forms.gle/tYQQp3ZCm3zwheTg6

    For additional information, please contact aliciamujica@tombolomulticulturalfestivalnl.ca.

    As Newfoundland and Labrador continues to welcome newcomers from around the world, initiatives such as the Economic and Social Empowerment Program aim to ensure that every newcomer has the opportunity not only to settle, but to thrive.