Ethiopians living in Waterloo Region face some unique challenges
An estimated 5,000 to 10,000 Africans of Ethiopian origin are living in Waterloo Region.
These immigrants and refugees came under family reunion and convention refugees classes — hence some were forced emigrants while others left Ethiopia voluntarily.
The majority of these immigrants came to Canada by way of Europe, such as Greece and Italy, the Middle East and Africa.
Drawing on the findings from some studies conducted in Toronto and Australia, researchers identified several barriers and challenges faced by Africans — Ethiopians, in particular — to meaningful employment and labour market success.
The migration from Ethiopia could be characterized as irregular.
Some records show that Ethiopians started to settle in Waterloo Region by the end of the 1980s and beginning of the 1990s.
The Ethiopians Association in Waterloo Region was formed in 1995, a clear indication that Ethiopians are relatively recent settlers.
A scholar from Ethiopia studying in Toronto once wrote that many Ethiopians are shy and rarely exhibit their desires, feelings and motives in public.
The courage of advocating one’s point of view for personal gain is contrary to most Ethiopians’ beliefs. Many of these immigrants choose to listen instead of speaking in strange environments.
These taboos slow down the speed of their participation in the mainstream labour market.
Furthermore, a good number of immigrants need to develop skills to qualify for better job opportunities. There is also language barrier to integrate with the Canadian professional workforce.
With regards to business activities, the first Ethiopian restaurant was opened in the region by the beginning of the millennium. Currently there are two or three small-scale Ethiopian restaurants, and one or two very small grocery stores mainly stocked with spices and specialty dry food items imported from Africa.
From social perspectives, there are Ethiopian religious institutions in the region. We have two Orthodox Christian churches and two Evangelical churches. Each of them has hundreds of congregants that receive services.
Recently, Ethiopians formed a traditionally based mutual support association called Idir, which is a social organization by which people support each other in times of grief.
Idir takes responsibility for burying the dead, helping the sick and providing financial support for grieving families. Accordingly, Idir is a psychological safety net to uplift the morality of its members. Idir is always inclusive and it does not operate on ethnic, religious or gender basis.
Language and accent is said to be barrier to smooth integration. When employers turn down applicants, they refer to immigrants’ lack of working knowledge in order to justify their refusals.
Further, an element of racism plays a role where “owners” of the language consider that accentified speech destroys the elegance and prestige of the language. At present, accents have become primary gate-keeping tools in the areas of employment, socialization and integration. Hence, immigrants who acquire knowledge compatible with the Canadian labour markets may not be employed, due to their varying accents. That’s part of the challenge.
Ethiopians are quick learners who acquire knowledge that enables them to translate their ambitions into reality. Like people from many other cultures we are ready to learn and adapt whenever suitable situations are available.
Communities of colour need fundamental support to be successful, and the best way of utilizing resources is through community organizations.
Canada promotes one of the best immigration and integration policies in the world. There are supports for families, schooling and training. It is up to each one of us as community to come together, define our needs, co-ordinate our potential and realize our dreams.
We are lucky to be part of this great people and country, and it is wise to fully participate and engage ourselves and work hard to maximize the benefits of quality life.