Bridging the gaps
The Problem:
People want to feel connected to each other; new comers want to feel welcomed in the community, while community members are curious about what others from places far away bring to enrich the region. Pittsburgh is blessed with diverse people, but it is sad that we have a big gap/disconnect problem. Most new comers (immigrants, refugees, internationals and students) often find themselves living segregated with less interaction and involvement in their new communities. While the indigenous people of Pittsburgh are curious about “Who are these people? Where are they from? Why are they here? What do they bring with them? and How will they promote our community?” This divide and gap, especially within African immigrants and African Americans is hindering socio-economic development in most communities. The question is: How ugly does it need to be before we wake up and take actions?
Our Approach:
CEED’s Bridging the Gaps project employs innovative approaches to promote integration, peaceful coexistence and collaboration within immigrant/refugee communities and between them and members of the larger communities where they live through social interactions/engagements and business partnerships. This program helps ensure that African immigrant /refugee families and their businesses are well received and welcomed in the communities, as immigrants engage in social and business partnerships with other community members. |
