“We want people to feel, as much as possible, that they are at home, but also in a multicultural environment,” says Aresius Ngemera, president of TanBC. “We are looking at bonding with communities from all over the world to learn from the vast richness of their cultures.”

The organization now looks towards strengthening these connections, beginning with its annual summer barbeque party. Taking place on Aug. 31 at Burnaby’s Confederation Park, the event welcomes Tanzanians and their friends.

Community outreach

The registration of TanBC as a non-profit was a longtime coming; Ngemera shares how there have been several previous attempts to connect Tanzanians in B.C. with each other. The most successful attempt took place on WhatsApp, allowing new immigrants to connect with those who have been here longer.

“There has been an apparent need of people wanting to communicate, to connect with those who came to Canada earlier,” the president shares.

He adds that newcomers often want to learn about Canada’s culture. The spread of information goes both ways; Ngemera notes how Tanzanians already in B.C. also need a way to communicate with loved ones back home – a task made easier through having a collective group.

Creating TanBC also makes it easier for B.C.’s Tanzanians to communicate with their high commission in Ottawa. While the organization is in its early days, it has already contacted many members of the community.

“We are currently doing official membership registrations,” Ngemera shares. “As of now, we have roughly been in touch with about 250 Tanzanians in B.C.”

This number includes newcomers, refugees, international students and those who have been in Canada for more than 10 years. Ngemera and his team, including public relations officer Avitus Andrea, believe there are many more Tanzanians across B.C. who may find their work beneficial.

“We are using different ways to reach people, including word of mouth,” Andrea shares, adding social media channels like Instagram and Facebook are also used to share information.

Giving presence

TanBC provides various services for its members, including settlement support. According to Andrea, this service is particularly important for international students, most of whom do not have familial connections in the province.

“We work together with them to make sure that they have places to arrive to,” he shares. “People to pick them up from airports and give them a little introduction about culture and life in Canada.”

Andrea adds that their community recently suffered a loss – the passing of an international student from a house fire. The community came together to help each other, offering financial support and their presence.

The organization has also hosted workshops on completing job applications and planning for financial freedom. TanBC provides space for Tanzanians to practice and share their culture, including the Swahili language.

“Our first goal was to create a social environment, so we looked at activities that promote social well-being for committee members,” the president shares. “We are looking at introducing Swahili language to the community.”

Ngemera’s definition of community extends beyond Tanzanians; he envisions TanBC as a bridge between Tanzanians and other cultural communities. The organization is looking at community partnerships with other east African countries and beyond.

The upcoming barbeque is a way for the community to honour their heritage, while enjoying traditional food. The TanBC executives point out that Traditional Tanzanian food – including ugali (cornmeal porridge) and fresh seafood – is often missed.

“All the veggies are fresh from the market; all the fish is fresh from the water, and the meat is fresh from the butcher,” Ngemera shares of Tanzania’s cuisine.

He adds that Tanzanian culture is quite social and outgoing. Although the organization is young, they are already building memories. The president’s favourite one so far is welcoming their high commissioner at TanBC’s 2024 annual general meeting.

“The ninth of December is our Independence Day, so we had the honour of welcoming him,” he recalls. “It was beautiful for people to air out their desires, as they live in Canada, [and] how they would like to feel supported by their country.”

For more information, see www.facebook.com/p/Tanzanian-Society-in-BC-61563219068867