The African Canadian Resource Network Inter-Action (IAP) project is a research, social & community development project focusing on addressing Mental Health, Social and Economic cost of the Intersection of OPPRESSION (discrimination) based on “Race”, Gender and Religious differences experienced within and by Canadian of African descent: This is an Interprovincial Project covering Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia.
This multi-party research and social development project mainly funded by Canadian Heritage will engage individuals (youth, women and a mixed group), community leaders and public agencies in activities related to the above broad subject area in Saskatchewan (SK); and research work among community leaders in Manitoba (MB) and British Columbia (BC).
The project has three key expected outcomes:
- project participants (individuals, communities and public agencies) will gain knowledge about the underlying root causes of oppression intersecting based on “race”, gender and religious differences and it’s cost in relation to mental health, social and economic wellbeing;
- participants will develop strategies and act towards healing, practicing the understanding of the value/ benefits of diversity (difference);
- research data will be collected to gain understanding of the unique issues in the African Canadian communities, expose gaps and to accessibility issues from a comparative approach; and
- the impact of this intervention (in SK only) will be measured and used to forward program and policy changes.
IAP Project Organization
To deliver on the project outcomes stated above, it is paramount to work with a team and different partners. Therefore, see below;
Project Advisory Committee Members List
- Kiumbura Githinji – The Executive Director/ Chairman Project Advisory Committee
- Darrell Seib - Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission
- Mustafa Khassim - Prairie Somali Canadian Community Centre
- Rhonda Rosenberg – The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCOS)
- Christine van der Merwe – The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCOS)
- Paurin Apipira - Saskatchewan Congolese Network for Development (SCND)
- Kazia Katende - Daughters of Africa
- Jean Claude Hagerimana
- Colin Clay - Multi-Faith Saskatchewan
- Omotayo Shoyoye – Project Manager/Secretary - PAC
Project Advisory Committee
Kiumbura Githinji - ACRN Executive Director/ Chairman Project Advisory Committee
Kiumbura migrated to Canada with his family braving the very chilly winter of 2012 under the skilled worker immigration program.
He is married to Nancy Wanjiku, a doctor (Ophthalmologist) and is a loving dad of four, two girls and two boys.
Between November 2014 and October 2016, Kiumbura held the position of Advisor with Sun Life Financial providing solutions to a growing portfolio of 100 plus clients with a suite of Life, Health and Wealth products.
As a mature professional, Kiumbura brings to ACRN 23 years of marketing and business development experience working with diverse products and services in Africa, Europe and Canada.
Kiumbura has been awarded and decorated for excellence and innovation all along his career.
Before migrating to Canada, Kiumbura held the position of business development advisor and worked with two international agencies - Intra Health International and USAID in a joint project designed to build capacity in the health sector in Africa.
He is very excited to play his role in ACRN where he hopes to make a meaningful impact to the community in Saskatchewan and Canada. He is optimistic too for a greater collaboration with the African community in Canada to exploit the full potential and wealth of multiculturalism stimulating faster integration and social economic inclusiveness.
Kiumbura is passionate about community development and is involved in various voluntary activities which include: Kenyan Community in Regina (KCR) where he is the President, Regina Qu’Appelle Heath Region as a Patient/Family Advisor, Open Door as a Translator, Regina Centre for Good Governance as a Director and finally, Harvest City Church/Christian Academy as a board member.
The ACRN board is happy to have Kiumbura Githinji join the team in the capacity of Acting Executive Director. We are looking forward to a very exciting time as we implement innovative ideas to exploit Africa’s rich heritage and multiculturalism aiming to integrate our communities for the social economic well-being of all people groups in Saskatchewan/Canada.
Mr. Darrell Seib – Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission
Darrell Seib is a human rights advocate and communications professional with expertise developing public relations strategies, producing public education resources, and building relationships through systemic advocacy.
With a background in media, multimedia, and television, Darrell has developed educational videos, as well as print and online and resources, for legal and judicial organizations, educational institutions, and federal entities. He has supported Treaty education, created awareness about the issues facing Indigenous people, and advocated for reconciliation while working at the Office of the Treaty Commissioner. He has also supported services for post-secondary students, contributed to strategic planning, and helped establish governance processes, while working for the College of Arts and Science at the University of Saskatchewan. In 2016, Darrell obtained his Master of Arts degree in communications and technology from the University of Alberta.
Since 2012, he has served with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, promoting the value of inclusion, the importance of belonging, and the need for respect for all people. Currently, he is the Director of Systemic Advocacy for the SHRC. In this role, he builds relationships with and between stakeholders to facilitate meaningful and collaborative change in the public policies, practices, and places in accordance with The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.
The Inter-Action Project will require a deep understanding of individual and stakeholder perspectives on sensitive human rights issues currently facing African-Canadian communities. While this is no small task, there is significant potential to build the positive and collaborative relationships that are necessary for systemic change.
Mr. Paulin Mwangala Apipila - Saskatchewan Congolese Network for Development (SCND)
Mr. Paulin M. Apipila is a board Member of ACRN. Serving as a Director of Governance Committee. Originated from DRC. He hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from University of Lubumbashi (DRC), certificate Financial Accounting at Varsity College ( South Africa), Diploma of Business Technology at Cape Peninsula university of Technology( South Africa). Certified Tourist Guide and Travel Drumbeat Academy (South Africa). Founder of Orbit Mind South Africa and community leader in Congolese community. Active Volunteer at Scalabrini Center (South Africa)., And lived in South Africa for more than 10 years, and worked in Tourism industry as Operations Manager for nine years in South Africa.
Arrived in Canada (Saskatchewan), November 2014 with his family. And serve as General Treasurer in SCND (Congolese based organization in Sask.). He is an active volunteer person in several organizations in the Province of Saskatchewan: (Rubarb Production, Moose Jaw Multicultural Center). He is a community Board Member at the newcomer committee Services (from February 2015 to current).
He works at Christian Horizons as DSP and Staff Relations Representative: he is interested in Policy making, Governance, Public administration, Social and community belonging.
He spends great time with his small family while not active outside the home. Very dynamic and open mind person.
Research Team
Christine Lwanga PhD – ACRN Lead Researcher and Social Development Specialist
Michael Baffoe PhD - Associate Professor University of Manitoba (Co-Principal Investigator & Social Worker
Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondraschov PhD - Assistant Professor Thompson Rivers University (Co-Investigator)
Christine Lwanga PhD
Mrs. Christine Lwanga immigrated to Canada in 1989. Her family (spouse –Dr. Steven Lwanga and six children) have lived in Saskatchewan (Saskatoon and Regina) since.
A community development worker by profession Christine has worked on various projects in the immigrant, multicultural and the larger Canadian society, and at the international level prior and after immigrating to Canada. Christine has served both in employment capacity and as a volunteer in leadership positions on numerous community organizations, at the provincial, national and international level. She has served as the President, Vice President and a general Board member in various organizations and has been a founding member in various organizations including Uganda Canadian Association of Saskatchewan (UCAS), Daughters of Africa International (DOA), Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum (SACHM), and the African Canadian Resource Network (ACRN).
In respect to ACRN- Christine plans to share her skills to contribute in areas of organization and community development, research and policy development; program development and implementation; plus, human resource development. Her goal in serving at the Board level is to establish a professionally run and respected organization that can promote policy change that can support the successful integration and settlement of African Canadian in Saskatchewan.
For educational background: Christine holds a BSWSA degree (Social Work and Social Administration) from Makerere University, Uganda; MBA from Nairobi University, Kenya; and MSW from University of Regina, Saskatchewan.
Christine Lwanga was appointed as a Human Rights Commissioner (1994-2003) by Saskatchewan government; she received Saskatchewan's Centennial Medal in 2005 and has received a few other community and institutional awards.
