Mission
Our mission is to strengthen the social, economic and civic wellbeing of Ethiopian – Canadian community in the region by improving service navigation, strengthening cultural heritage , expanding opportunity pathways, building institutional capacity and fostering collective leadership.
Vision
A thriving Ethiopian – Canadian community empowered to belong, succeed and lead.
Values
Care: We prioritize the wellbeing of individuals and families by fostering a supportive, compassionate, and responsive community that looks after one another.
Respect: We honor the dignity, voices, experiences, and contributions of all community members, embracing dicersity within the Ethiopian-Canadian community.
Openness: We promaote transparency, dialogue, and perspectives to strengthen collective understanding.
Equity & Belonging: We are committed to fairness, access, and inclusion-ensuring all menbers feel valued, have equal opportunities, and experience a true sense of belonging.
Courage: We act with integrity and boldness to address challenges, advocate for our community, and lead change even in the Face of uncertainty.
Strategic Focus 2026 – 2029
The Ethiopian Association of Kitchener Waterloo & Surrounding Areas (EAKW) is transitioning into a more structured and sustainable organization to better serve a growing and diverse Ethiopian-Canadian community in the region. Building on over 30 years of service, the organization is moving from a volunteer-led model to a governance structure with stronger leadership and strategic coordination. This shift is aimed at addressing increasingly complex community needs and creating long-term, system-level impact.
The strategic plan focuses on four main priorities: improving health and family wellbeing, strengthening economic mobility and integration, building institutional capacity, and increasing civic engagement. It recognizes that many community challenges are interconnected and structural, requiring coordinated solutions rather than isolated programs. Through partnerships, volunteer-driven task forces, and a
population-based social investment approach, EAKW aims to improve access to services, reduce barriers, and strengthen long-term community resilience and opportunity.
