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In Yoruba, its language of origin, "ajapo"
means "linkage." In this spirit, we work to promote the
cohesion and connectedness common to African societies, providing programs
and services that focus on accomplishing the following goals:
- Building families of
hope by sustaining cultural values while developing new understandings
of family life in America;
- Promoting diversity
through linkages of refugees and immigrants to Americans in their
communities;
- Breaking the cycle
of poverty by encouraging economic self-sufficiency; and
- Cultivating civic
responsibilities by advancing personal and community leadership
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Through the support
of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), AJAPO works to bring
together representatives of different African and Afro-Caribbean immigrant
communities throughout the Pittsburgh
area to engage in dialogue around community issues, needs, and assets.
To date, the majority of AJAPO's work in this area
has focused on leadership development, building skills and developing
networks that will enable the Afro-Diasporan
community to find solutions that effect systemic change.
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Community Leadership Links
[12/4/05] Community Leadership Training Report
(word) (pdf)
[12/18/05] Community Leadership Training Report
(word) (pdf)
[1/15/06] Community Leadership Training Report
(word) (pdf)
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Acculturation training helps newcomers understand local culture, language,
and social expectations. Becoming acculturated to their new environment
is an empowering experience that allows AJAPO clients to thrive, adjusting
more quickly and appropriately to their new environments. We offer
programs that facilitate positive acculturation experiences including:
- Language
development;
- Counseling;
- Cultural
understanding;
- Mentorship;
- Crisis intervention;
and
- Family cohesion
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AJAPO assists its
clients in developing voices for social and systemic change; collectively, our
clients employ these skills in challenging unjust institutions, policies, and
practices. As we develop our leadership skills, we become role models
and advocates for change within our families, communities, and churches.
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Unfortunately, much downgrading occurs when immigrants seek employment in the
United States.
Due to prolonged civil strife and political turmoil in their countries of
origin, many refugees – both adults and children – have lost opportunities
for education. Many refugees possess
little or no formal education and find themselves holding entry-level jobs
that provide neither security nor opportunities for advancement. AJAPO
prepares its clients for self-efficacious roles in the American workforce by
providing services that focus on job preparation and placement. AJAPO addresses employment needs,
challenges, and workforce behaviors that support workforce success through:
- Developing strong
work ethics;
- Building conflict
resolution skills; and
- Creating an
awareness of justice in the workplace
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Economic
Justice Links
Economic
Justice for All, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Reference pages for US labor, employment, and
non-discrimination law
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