By Chinazo Enigwe
ABOVE PHOTO: Many immigrants, refugees, and asylees arrive with little or no background in computers, which limits their ability to find and apply for jobs, among other things. ACANA runs two Computer Education classes: one teach to basic use and application, and one to teach networking, assembly, and repairs. These classes are open to all age groups. ACANA has a well-equipped computer lab and excellent instructors.
Coming into a new country can be intimidating. Not knowing where to start one’s life can be anxious, and not knowing who to confide in can be stressful. Some immigrants are fortunate enough to have a support system to the country they are immigrating to, but for others, are needed some help. Even with these opportunities, some immigrants can be acculturated in their host society, and lose their grip of their own identity.
That could be because their own culture was not initially accepted and for solidarity they would suppress it. It’s not to say that anyone who comes into this country as a new citizen is completely helpless, but a little guidance can go a long way. Luversa Kweh, community relations specialist for African Culture Alliance of North America (ACANA), gives insight to her organization, and how ACANA is the “bridge” closing the gap between African immigrants and life in America.
The Philadelphia based non-profit, ACANA is an organization that dedicates their time to helping and welcoming African and Caribbean immigrants into this country. They offer various programs and services that aids immigrants, refugees, and asylees. ACANA was established in 1999 by a group of African immigrants. The influence came from the lack of cultural understanding within the Philadelphia community, “We felt that most providers who targeted the community with services did not understand the specific cultural sensitivity required to serve the community.”
ACANA’s goal is to preserve original values of African and Caribbean immigrants and create a cultural sensitive environment amongst the Philadelphian community.
ACANA offers programs that allow its members to get jump-started. “ACANA is engaged in social services, community development, and immigration legal services and produces several cultural programs including the annually held ACANA African festival in Penn’s Landing which pulls in thousands”. Some of the programs offered are GED programs, food banks, curriculums for arts and cultures, and many more.
Their targets have been primarily African and Caribbean immigrants, who are actually the largest immigrant population in Pennsylvania. So far, ACANA has been a service to 2400 Africans, 600 Caribbeans in counting, yearly. Since ACANA was organized the local community has been brighter with the acceptance of new cultures, and more services. “Located on Chester Avenue, ACANA has also transformed a once blighted corridor into a thriving stable community with new businesses coming back, making it evident that the community is reemerging…” Kweh continues.
ACANA has achieved great success of which all are welcome to be a part of. More about ACANA can be found at www. Acanaus.org. ACANA urges the public join the community on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ACANA.Philadelphia. Or, visit the agency at 5530 Chester Avenue, Philadelphia.
“ACANA’s mission is to aid immigrants, refugees and asylees in the resettlement and adjustment process within the United States of America”
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