Community News
Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Canada (PAAMA) Presents “Movin’ Forward!”
BY: SIMONE JENNIFER SMITH
If you are living in Toronto, Ontario, you will know that last Sunday, February 24th, was bitter cold, windy, and all the hell that winter in Canada has to offer. Thankfully, there was a warm place at Driftwood Community Centre, where the PAAMA (Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association) held a unique event to celebrate Black History Month. Before we go into the event, let us take a look at what PAAMA is, and what they do here in Toronto.
PAAMA Canada is an adjuvant organization within the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, comprised of Ahamadi Muslims of African origin living in Canada. Following the ‘Love For All, Hatred For None’ motto, the PAAMA members actively contribute to the society in which they live, as well as provide educational platforms focused on enlightening Africans living in the diaspora about religious affairs and secular matters. With the many challenges faced by people of African descent in the Greater Toronto Area, this unique, progressive and spirited association is helping to serve the needs of its members, the African Canadian community, and the continent of Africa at large.
President Abdul Ghani Omokanye led the opening session with a heartfelt address introducing PAAMA to the community, and highlighting the fact that we are all connected, serving one purpose through understanding. He went on to explain that Islam teaches to serve all humanity as one family. To close his address, President Abdul Ghani Omokanye reminded the attendees that, “We are all Lions of Africa in the Diaspora.” This empowering symbolism highlights Africans strength, courage, and resilience. It serves as a reminder that Africans living in the diaspora have to effectively attack their dreams and passions, go forward with full confidence and be courageous.
One great opportunity that was added to the program was the ability for the vendors who were in attendance to speak on the work that they do in the community, which turned out to be an opportunity to strengthen bridges and create a platform that connected members of the community with the help they need. Below is a list of some of the vendors that were in attendance and a quick description is given that features their connection to the GTA community:
Toronto Community Benefits Network
https://www.communitybenefits.ca/about
Their main objectives are: to provide economic opportunities that promote economic inclusion, develop a system of training and workforce development programs, support social enterprises, contribute to a communities sustainability, and ensure clear commitments and accountability when it comes to delivering services to the community.
Healing Herbally
https://www.healingherbally.com/
Deborah Castello, a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, and her two sons came to a realization that people have this need to take their health into their own hands, and one way to do this is by educating them through her service Healing Herbally. The team at Healing Herbally believes that nourishing your mind, body and soul, is the key to your best health.
JVS Toronto
Since 1947, JVS has played a vital role in Toronto and York Regions. Through a mix of general and specialized services, they ensure that job seekers find jobs that fit their skills and passions and that in their work they are able to reach their full potential.
Women’s Health in Women’s Hands Community Health Centre
Women’s Health In Women’s Hands is a Community Health Centre for racialized women living in Toronto and surrounding municipalities. They have put together a team of highly skilled health care professionals who specialize in the health and wellness of women from African, the Caribbean, Latin America and South Asia.
Pathways to Peace
https://thepathwaytopeace.com/
Pathway to Peace is an international initiative launched by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which provides comprehensive solutions towards achieving world peace. Their 9 Fundamentals of Peace are based on the teachings of Islam as presented by the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at, the Caliph, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. The Fundamentals of Peace include:
1. Recognition of the Creator
2. Global Unity across nations
3. Absolute Justice
4. Reject Extremism
5. Loyalty to Country
6. Need for Nuclear Disarmament
7. Elimination of Profiting from Weapons
8. Need for Economic Parity
9. Service to Humanity
Also in attendance were: Natural Kids Movement led by Takiya Sobion, The Spot Youth Centre, the youth satellite of Jane /Finch Community, Choice Water Systems led by Keith Castello, and Seneca College, a Toronto college known for its comprehensive degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs.
Despite the extreme weather conditions, the Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Associations 3rd Annual Black History Month Event was effective in reinforcing the concepts of humanity and respect for individual liberty, as well as the need for unity in the community.