Building a Future Rooted in Tradition
Discover how Mehari Centre is bridging cultural gaps and fostering community resilience through tailored programs and services.
Our Core Values
Embracing Tradition and Harmony
At Mehari Centre, our foundational values are deeply rooted in Eritrean traditions, emphasizing harmony, resilience, and compassion. These principles guide our efforts to create a supportive environment that supports individuals and strengthens community bonds. We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging and promoting the well-being of Eritreans in Ottawa through culturally relevant initiatives.
Our approach is inspired by the spirit of 'Mehariness,' which embodies kindness and mercy. By integrating these values into our programs, we aim to address systemic challenges and uplift our community, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the collective success.
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.
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.
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.
Support Our Mission
Your involvement can make a difference. Join us in supporting the Eritrean community in Ottawa. Whether through donations or active participation in our programs, your support is invaluable. Together, we can foster a thriving community.