Amran Toyo
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Classification
Non-profit Organization, (Somali Women’s Empowerment Society) joined Rotary Club of Richmond April 20, 2024
Organization & Community Services
Amran moved to Canada in 1993 from London, U.K. as a refugee from Somalia. Upon her arrival, she began volunteering to assist Newcomers and Refugees most did not speak English. Amran volunteered to assist individuals by providing interpretation services for various organizations and addressing issues such as school related issues, housing, finding family doctors including the everyday challenges and issues faced by newcomers to our wonderful country of Canada. Back in Africa, providing such services to those in need is not voluntary, it is part of the African culture, helping someone who comes to your door is ingrained in the African cultural and for Amran it was the right thing for her to do.
Amran is involved in several African organizations; most of which Amran pioneered due to her extensive years of community engagement. That engagement enabled Amran to identify the needs and challenges of our community, particularly those faced by women. One such organization is the Somalia Women’s Empowerment Society, a nonprofit organization that addresses women and family issues in our society today, especially before encountering the numerous challenges that include drug abuse, overdoses, homelessness, and mental illness etc.
With the support of the Government of Canada, the City of Richmond, B.C. and their dedicated staff collaborating with the various groups, A centre to conduct activities, including ESL classes, a Halal food bank, community gardening was established. Through these groups it allowed the members to other resources within the province, such as an employment Centre education, health and many more services that align with the needs.