Sharing Our Cultures Celebrates 25 Years of Impact in Newfoundland

Over the past 25 years, the non-profit organization Sharing Our Cultures has engaged over 42,000 youth in Newfoundland and Labrador, fostering a sense of belonging among newcomers. Founded by Lloydetta Quaicoe, the initiative aims to create positive change in the lives of young immigrants, helping them connect with their heritage while integrating into their new community.

Each year, high school students across the province develop presentations about their cultures, which are showcased at a public event attended by elementary school students. The program also offers an after-school initiative at its learning and resource center in St. John’s, providing educational resources and a supportive environment for newcomers. In recognition of its 25th anniversary, we spoke with six past participants to explore the lasting impact of Sharing Our Cultures on their lives.

Personal Journeys and Connections

Margaret Beyere, who grew up in Happy Valley-Goose Bay with Ghanaian roots, reflects on how the program helped her explore her identity. “I feel like Sharing Our Cultures helped me find a part of myself that I felt I needed to keep away because nobody else could relate to it,” she said. Over three years in the program, Beyere presented on various aspects of Ghanaian culture, including agricultural practices and the Dagaare language. Now a first-year student at Mount Allison University, Beyere attributes her strong friendships and love for learning to her experiences in the program.

Another participant, Jacqueline Wong, arrived in St. John’s from Hong Kong during a snowstorm in 2014. She embraced the program as a platform to share her culture while volunteering and later working with Sharing Our Cultures. “It’s like seeing a mini world inside the rooms,” Wong noted, describing the vibrant cultural exchanges. Currently back in Hong Kong, Wong is studying at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and aspires to become a speech-language pathologist.

Exploring Diversity and Building Friendships

Joshua Wong, who navigated his dual identity as a Canadian-born youth with ties to Hong Kong, found empowerment through Sharing Our Cultures. Participating for the first time at age 15, Wong observed the importance of acknowledging different cultures. His involvement continued as a mentor during university. Presently, he is teaching English part-time in Taiwan while maintaining connections to Newfoundland, including a recent presentation on the province in Taipei.

For Mahsoud Badalbaev, a multicultural background shaped his early experiences in Kyrgyzstan. After moving to Canada, he joined Sharing Our Cultures, where he found a community amid the challenges of integration. “Basically meet each other, which you can’t really do in a high school setting where you have classes,” he recalled. Now residing in Cyprus and working as an engineer, Badalbaev cherishes the connections he made in Newfoundland.

Friends Shahin Labib and William Egli illustrate how Sharing Our Cultures can strengthen bonds between individuals. Though they met through different schools, the program helped maintain their friendship as they explored each other’s cultures. Labib, who moved to Canada from Egypt, and Egli, originally from South Africa, have kept their connection alive while now studying at Memorial University. They appreciate how the program fosters cultural awareness and inclusivity.

As Lloydetta Quaicoe reflects on the organization’s journey, she expresses gratitude for the resilience of newcomer youth. “I have learned to be empathetic and grateful for every moment I have spent with them, listening and supporting them as they navigate life in a new culture,” she said.

The impact of Sharing Our Cultures resonates deeply within the community, creating a legacy of understanding and friendship among diverse youth. As the program looks to the future, its commitment to promoting cultural exchange and acceptance remains unwavering.