Bridging gaps in information, skills and emergency relief to empower low-income families, refugees and equity-deserving communities in Calgary and beyond.
Confusion, frustration, depression and poverty affect people of every age and background in our community. TICO works with community partners and government agencies on both immediate relief and long-term solutions to these systemic problems.
We offer free consultations and counseling, access to essential resources, community networking and basic computer training to help people through debt stress, employment insecurity, food scarcity and the risk of homelessness.
Every TICO program is free and open to the public.
From Calgary classrooms to relief in Ethiopia.
TICO exists to bridge critical gaps, relieve poverty, advance education, and help every newcomer and community member achieve full integration and empowerment.
Food security, hygiene products, essential medication and clothing for people facing hardship, and trauma-informed counseling for women and girls affected by conflict or violence.
Digital literacy, computer skills and AI fundamentals at the TICO Digital & Skill Development Center, alongside workshops on Oromo history and traditional practices.
Settlement navigation, language support, translation, financial literacy, career readiness and mentorship to remove barriers to essential community resources.
Free programs delivered at the TICO Digital Literacy, Settlement & Workforce Center in Calgary and online to communities worldwide.
Computer and operating-system basics, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, online safety and AI fundamentals for the modern workplace.
Culturally appropriate food support, hygiene products, essential medication and clothing for families, seniors and newcomers in need.
Confidential, compassionate counseling for women and girls affected by conflict, violence or displacement, plus culturally responsive family counseling.
Workshops on Oromo history, Afaan Oromoo, the Gadaa system and Tuulamaa traditions, so our youth grow up proud of who they are.
Hands-on help with housing, banking and government benefits, plus translation, language support and financial literacy.
Resume tailoring, interview practice, Canadian workplace vocabulary, mentorship and hands-on work placements.
Newcomers often face a “double barrier”: navigating complex new systems while losing their traditional support networks. At the same time, families in East Africa face displacement and economic hardship. TICO turns these challenges into pathways to success through culturally competent support and direct intervention.
Many lack the computer and AI skills modern jobs require.
Skilled people struggle with Canadian resume standards and workplace culture.
Poverty, food insecurity and language barriers block integration.
Few spaces honour newcomers’ heritage while helping them settle.
From digital literacy in Calgary to emergency food relief in Ethiopia.
Volunteers used 13 vehicles and a truck to move groceries from the donors’ store to a distribution centre, followed by our first large-scale food distribution for seniors.
Our new physical centre in Calgary will be a hub for community connection, digital empowerment and economic mobility.
We marked two years of service with a week of commemoration from February 16 to 21, 2026.
Donate, volunteer your skills, or partner with us to build stronger, more inclusive communities in Calgary and abroad.
Whether you need settlement support, want to join digital literacy training, need emergency food aid, or would like to partner with us, our team is here for you. All of our programs are free.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Middle East (UAE)
East Africa (Oromia, Ethiopia)
+1 825-561-2084
+1 587-917-8905
tico@tuulamaa.org
tuulamaa2023@gmail.com
Registered Canadian Charity
