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.