ወፈራ – Wefera for a healthy, inclusive, and thriving community.
Welcome to Mehari Centre
The Mehari Centre is a non-profit, community-based organization designed to provide essential services to the Eritrean community in Ottawa. It offers culturally and linguistically anchored programs and services to help Eritreans integrate into Canadian society.
Land Acknowledgment
We respectfully acknowledge that our work takes place on the unceded, unsurrendered Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation, whose presence here dates back to time immemorial. We recognize and honor all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples for their past and present contributions to this land.
At Mehari Centre, we believe that true community-building includes reconciliation with the First Peoples of this land. Our commitment to solidarity means working in right relations with Indigenous communities, acknowledging the shared history of displacement, resilience, and systemic barriers faced by both Indigenous and newcomer communities.
We stand in allyship, recognizing that the path forward must be grounded in truth, respect, and collective action.
Our Mission
Mehari Centre’s mission is to promote and improve the wellbeing of Eritreans living in Ottawa through culturally and linguistically anchored programs and services that are grounded in evidence and community. Mehari Centre provides a safe and welcoming environment where Eritreans will be affirmed, equipped with needed information and resources, provided with space to heal and to connect with each other and the greater community.
Our Vision
The Mehari Centre’s vision is a holistic, healthy, flourishing, and harmonious Eritrean community in Ottawa.
Our Values
Mehari Centre’s foundational values are rooted in Eritrean traditions and embody a spirit of harmony, resilience and compassion.
Derived from the Eritrean tradition, these values are intertwined with the overarching principle of Mehari, symbolizing mercy, and kindness. At Mehari Centre, we aspire to model “Mehariness” in every aspect of our work, emphasizing kindness, compassion, community spirit, impartiality, and the empowerment of individuals to carve out their own paths.
Wefera (ወፈራ)
Wefera is a Tigrinya word that roughly translates to English as “working together towards a common good.” It is a system of mutual aid through which a communal effort is mobilized to assist members of the community in crisis, such as farmers behind in their work in urgent need of extra pairs of hands to complete their planting or harvesting on time, individuals who require assistance building new or repairing damaged homes, individuals that require funds raised for emergency expenses, etc.
Justice (ፍትሒ)
As a community, we have always mobilized to fight for just outcomes in the face of adversity. As an organization, our programs and services focus on addressing issues related to social justice, inequities, and disparities. Eritreans in Ottawa have the right to timely and culturally appropriate programs, services, and a successful integration into the Canadian Society.
Gender Equality (ማዕርነት)
Mehari Centre recognizes the pivotal role of women as the backbone of our community’s survival and success. Acknowledging the unique challenges faced and the existing power imbalances, we are steadfast in our commitment to empowering and promoting the leadership of women. By directly addressing these challenges, the aim is to create a more equitable and supportive community environment that uplifts and amplifies the contributions of women. Through targeted initiatives and programs, Mehari Centre is dedicated to fostering an atmosphere where women can thrive, lead, and contribute to the overall well-being and success of our community.
Healing (ፈውሲ)
Eritreans have gone through several challenges and life-threatening conditions before their flight, during their dangerous and treacherous travel journeys and post migration experiences in Canada. Our generation is responsible for preparing the foundation for a better tomorrow for our children and youth. Mehari Centre uses a strength-based approach to create an environment for healing, restoration and reconciliation.
Harmony (ስኒት)
We are proud of the diversity within our community. We celebrate the differences in our culture, language, beliefs, and political views. Our diversity is our strength and the beauty of who we are as Eritreans. We serve for one united goal – the strength and well-being of Eritreans in Ottawa.
Eldership (ሽማግለ / ሸምግልና)
As a community, we are accountable to each other. Traditionally, we resolve our differences and promote our wellness by engaging the “Elders” in our community. Eldership is not defined by age. Rather, “Elders” are recognized because they have earned the respect of their community through wisdom, harmony, and balance of their actions and teachings.
Solidarity (ምትሕብባር)
The barriers that Mehari Centre is aiming to address are systemic and generational. Our efforts alone cannot remedy these social ills. We work collaboratively with partners and stakeholders across sectors and in solidarity with other marginalized communities, including Indigenous peoples, to achieve collective impact.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mehari Centre?
The Mehari Centre is a non-profit, community-based organization that was founded in 2022 by Eritrean Canadian professionals
What is the mission of the Mehari Centre?
The Mehari Centre’s mission is to promote and improve the well-being of Eritreans living in Ottawa through programs and services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and based on evidence and community input. The Centre aims to provide Eritreans with a safe and welcoming environment that helps them connect with each other and the greater community.
What are the values of the Mehari Centre?
- Wefera (ወፈራ) – working together toward a common good.
- Justice (ፍትሒ) – ensuring Eritreans in Ottawa have access to culturally appropriate programs, services, and successful integration into Canadian society.
- Gender Equality (ማዕርነት) – acknowledging the unique challenges and power imbalances faced by women and empowering and promoting the leadership of women.
- Healing (ፈውሲ) – using a strength-based approach to create an environment for healing, restoration, and reconciliation.
- Eldership (ሽማግለ / ሸምግልና) – resolving differences and promoting wellness by engaging community elders, who are recognized through their wisdom, harmony, and actions.
- Solidarity (ምትሕብባር) – working collaboratively with partners and stakeholders across sectors and in solidarity with other marginalized communities to achieve a collective impact.
- Harmony (ስኒት) – celebrating the diversity within the Eritrean community and working together for the strength and well-being of Eritreans in Ottawa.
Where is the Mehari Centre located?
The Mehari Centre is located at 1547 Merivale Road, Unit 200, Nepean, Ontario
When are drop-in services available?
The Mehari Centre offers bi-weekly drop-in settlement services and workshops. To find the specific dates and times, you can check the “Bi-Weekly Calendar” section of their website. The times for several events on their calendar are from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. The Centre also offers bi-weekly drop-in information and referral services
What kinds of programs and services does the Mehari Centre offer?
- Bi-weekly workshops on topics like financial literacy, the Canadian education system, job search strategies, social and health services, laws and customs, employment rights and responsibilities, and tenant rights and responsibilities.
- Drop-in services offering one-on-one assistance in Tigrigna, including documentation support for permanent residency applications.
- Tax clinics to help permanent residents with modest incomes and simple tax situations prepare their income tax and benefit returns.
- Mental health resources and information on topics like crisis counseling and gambling addiction.
- A Women’s Circle (coming soon) to offer a safe space for women to connect and empower each other.
- Wellness resources.
How can I get involved with the Mehari Centre?
- Volunteering: The Centre relies on volunteers to deliver their programs and services.
- Donating: You can make a financial contribution to help the Centre meet its goals and fund its mission.
- Participating in the needs assessment study: The Centre is conducting a study to identify the service needs of Ottawa’s Eritrean community. You can contact them to participate.
- Joining the Board of Directors: The Mehari Centre is actively recruiting new board members
Contact Us
Join our mission. Volunteer, Donate, Advocate —Make a Difference Today.
Email: themeharicentre@gmail.com
Phone: 613-882-4274