Senior Sector Spotlight: Africa Centre

“The Vibrance of Community” – A Senior Sector Spotlight on the Africa Centre 

Written by: Breanne Harrison 

Adorned on the walls of the Art Gallery of Alberta, vibrant acrylic pop-art paintings—masterfully crafted by artist Andy Warhol—elicit smiles from a group of older women who crowd around the exhibit. Their gazes gravitate to his use of yellow, eyes tracing the outlines of each painting. It is a hue capable of evoking profound joy, evidenced by the ladies’ laughter colouring the air. 

Aurelia Uarsama, the Seniors Well-Being, and Engagement Program Coordinator at the Africa Centre, has brought many such groups to the gallery on their Seniors Takeover Day. These outings allow seniors to socialize whilst engaging with art and culture first-hand. “They stayed in that room for a long time,” Uarsama says, referring to the Andy Warhol exhibit. “When I asked them about it, they said they loved the use of colour.” To these ladies, yellow was reminiscent of childhood memories. However, contrary to what their smiles and awe may suggest, those memories are not their own. “They lacked these experiences at a younger age,” Uarsama says. “They had a rough life back home, and they wanted a better life for their families here in Canada.” 

The Africa Centre has created such opportunities for individuals of African, Caribbean, and Black descent since its inception in 2006. Through education and programming, they allow their members to both access and fully participate in the social, cultural, economic, and educational aspects of their communities. “The workshops, educational activities, skill building projects, advocacy and outreaching events are all focused with the older individual of African descent in mind,” Uarsama says. “We create programs that help them address the challenges they face daily.” 

Individuals of all ages who step through the doors of the Africa Centre are bound to feel welcome, for the facility itself is structured as a home away from home. Uarsama tells us that each office is structured and designed to replicate the structure of a traditional African village. Her office, among many others, faces a large sitting area called the square. “It is a very dynamic space,” Uarsama adds. “People have holistic interactions, informal conversations, and meaningful exchanges of ideas. They feel a sense of belonging and the informal setting is very convivial and nurturing to their soul.” In fact, it was the desire to bring people together that drew Uarsama to her position. 

Uarsama arrived at the Africa Centre with over 20 years of involvement in the voluntary sector. Her previous experience included giving opportunities to marginalized groups through education and employment. After witnessing the exponential increase in the senior population, she realized just how crucial their needs are. “We should prioritize seniors living and aging independently in their homes where possible,” she says. “We want to increase social connections for our seniors, and we want them to learn new skills that help them age gracefully in their multigenerational families.” Through the welcoming atmosphere of their building, and the staff’s commitment to healthy aging, seniors will feel a sense of belonging, reduced social isolation, intergenerational interaction, and increased civic participation. 

Functioning in the spirit of togetherness, harmony, and cohesion, the Seniors Well-Being and Engagement program improves the quality of life for older adults by tailoring their services to the specific needs of the aging African-descent community in Alberta. According to Uarsama, “our elders represent the past and the present, providing us with a clear vision of who we are. They help ensure that we maintain our vibrant identities and cultural knowledge.” 

Imagine springtime, the sun beaming its yellow rays down onto several smiling seniors. Paint adheres to canvas with every stroke of the brush, each one resting in murky water when not in use. The artists paint freely, mixing colours together to create a piece from their hearts. To no surprise, many paintings feature the colour yellow, for the happiness that radiates in the air condemns the dark shadows of isolation. “I learned that people seek scraps of time where they can evade, and just be free to enjoy the moment.” Uarsama says. The hours of relaxation and airiness within their programs remind these seniors what it is to be home, and what the freedom of aging encompasses. 

To find out more about the Africa Centre, including their initiatives and programs, visit one of the following websites, or feel free to send them an email! 

 

Website: www.africacentre.ca  

Newsletter: www.africacentre.ca/seniors-program-newsletter  

Email: acsp@africacentre.ca 

Committed to a thriving community!