200 years in the community, for the community
On October 7, some of Montreal's leading community players celebrated 200 years of combined existence. Odyans had the chance to meet them as part of the 200 ans au sommet event organized by the Sommet Afro jeunes.
Since the 1970s, the Centre N A Rive, the Bureau de la communauté haïtienne de Montréal, Maison d'Haïti and the Conseil des éducateurs noirs du Québec have contributed to the integration, education and training of Quebecers of all origins.
It's been 20 years since we started offering the credited Creole language and culture course," recalls Ninette Piou, General Manager of Centre N A Rive. This course gives 4 credits for every 100 hours of activity to young people in Secondary 4 and 5. This allows them to complete their high school diploma, so they can continue their studies, go on to college, university and so on.
From its beginnings, the Saint-Denis Street-based organization worked primarily with the Haitian community, but has since greatly expanded its activities. It offers training courses for young people and adults, as well as activities for seniors. It has also helped organize Haitian Book Day for the past 15 years, and supported the launch of Services BOUKAN Délice, a company that produces, distributes and sells Creole-flavored dishes to empower women financially.
"At Centre N A Rive, we go from challenge to challenge.
" We've gone from literacy to professional development, to strengthening/activating youth skills, to seniors, to the social economy project, to the Comité Créole. We try to respond to needs. "
The Centre will officially celebrate its 50th anniversary on December 2 at its offices at 6971 Saint-Denis. Ms. Piou invites the general public to attend, as well as anyone who would like to volunteer and "get their hands dirty". " It's time [...] We've got 50 years behind us, and probably another 50 to go, so we need a second team to take over, because I need to pass the torch," says the woman who has been running the center since 1996.
