Healing through Ubuntu; Black caregivers lead the future of dementia care

For decades, Skills for Change has transformed the lives of newcomers to Canada with education and training. Its latest initiative, the Ubuntu in Dementia Care Program, is breaking new ground in culturally responsive health support.

Ubuntu in Dementia Care is an eight-week hybrid program designed for Black family caregivers in the Greater Toronto Area. More than a wellness course, it’s a lifeline. The program builds knowledge, nurtures supportive relationships, and creates a community grounded in healing.

On Friday, August 29^th, 2025, Skills for Change partnered with the Alzheimer Society of Toronto to showcase this initiative. The event celebrated caregiver achievements, shared powerful stories of resilience, and connected attendees with dementia care resources tailored to Black families.

The event set out to:

• Celebrate participant achievements and partnerships
• Highlight culturally relevant dementia tools in AST’s resource library
• Recognize founders, supporters, and community impact stories
• Amplify the need for culturally responsive dementia care with local leaders
• Gather feedback to strengthen and sustain the program

This groundbreaking event was led by Nigel M. Chikukwa, Manager of Black Community Access and Programming at Skills for Change. It was also made possible through the backing of committed partners and sponsors.

One of the most impactful sessions came from Ngozo Iroanyah, Director of Health Equity and Access at the Alzheimer Society of Ontario. She highlighted the wide range of resources available to Black caregivers, resources that are too often overlooked. Her talk gave attendees practical tools and left them inspired.

Programs that empower caregivers and communities:

• Active Living Programs: Joyful recreation and social activities for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
• Active Minds Club: Cognitive stimulation and social engagement for younger adults with dementia, plus respite for caregivers.
• Support Groups: Peer-led and professional groups designed for different caregiver roles, offering emotional support, and shared learning.
• Dementia Friendly Communities: Advocacy and training to make public spaces safer and more inclusive.
• Alzheimer Society Music Project: Personalized playlists to spark memory, ease anxiety, and improve quality of life.
• Finding Your Way: Safety resources that help prevent wandering while supporting independence.
• First Link Program: A referral-based service connecting families to resources right after diagnosis.
• Minds in Motion: Group-based exercise and mental stimulation for people in early to mid-stage dementia.
• U-First! Education Program: Training for caregivers and professionals to better respond to behavioral changes.
• Multilingual Resources: Dementia education materials in multiple languages for Ontario’s diverse communities.

By the end of the day, one message rang clear: Ubuntu means “I am because we are.” This program proves that dementia care rooted in cultural affirmation and shared humanity can uplift entire communities.

This event was about healing through: connection, resilience, and culture. Families left knowing they are not alone, and that their care is part of a broader movement to transform dementia support in Canada.

Good news indeed.