The Tuulamaa International Civic Organization (TICO) is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to empowering marginalized communities in Calgary, Alberta, and Ethiopia.
TICO: Bridging Barriers for Empowerment.
TICO was established to address the systemic challenges faced by equity-deserving individuals, senior families, community members, newcomers, refugees, and racialized communities. We operate locally in Calgary, Alberta, and internationally in the UAE, East Africa, and Oromia, Ethiopia.
By connecting immediate relief efforts, such as food security and trauma-informed care, with long-term self-sufficiency through technology education and workforce integration, TICO promotes sustainable community empowerment across borders.
To empower families in Calgary with the tools for economic success, social inclusion, and cross-cultural understanding while maintaining a lifeline of support for our people in East Africa. We support vulnerable communities facing poverty and assimilation through targeted education, healthcare, and economic development services.
A world where every newcomer, refugee, and equity-deserving individual has equal access to opportunities, dignity, self-reliance, and full community participation: a community that thrives on diversity and inclusion, celebrates cultural revitalization, and fosters social integration and economic self-sufficiency.
We deliver Community Networking and Initiative Service (CNIS) projects with multilingual, multicultural support, through both short-term and long-term strategies. Our work focuses on social work, community capacity building, educational programs, cultural revitalization, and advocacy.
Alongside education and healthcare, our economic development programs create sustainable livelihoods by fostering entrepreneurship and small-business development, respecting cultural traditions while embracing innovation. Working closely with local leaders and stakeholders, we make sure our programs reflect the aspirations and values of the people we serve.
We envision a thriving generation in a world where cultural identity is upheld and systemic barriers are dismantled: residents who are politically engaged, economically self-sufficient, and contributing to the betterment of society.
Our commitment to education: through Community Networking and Initiative Services (CNIS), we are nurturing a generation with an innovative mindset that drives social, cultural, and economic development, providing access to food security, education, mentorship, and the networks necessary to thrive.
Our core values drive our growth and shape our development programs. We emphasize the importance of our families, faith, and integrity in all we do.
Through collaboration, we create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. These values guide us in implementing impactful, culturally respectful, and community-driven programs, ensuring mutual respect and contributing to a just society.
Standing against systemic marginalization and poverty, and creating accessible opportunities for everyone.
Developing skills, independence, and long-term economic mobility.
Honoring and revitalizing our heritage, language, and community identity.
Providing trauma-informed, comprehensive support to everyone we serve.
Building connections through global community networking.
Empowering the marginalized to guide their own development.
Food security programs, hygiene products, essential medications, and trauma-informed counseling are particularly crucial for affected women and girls.
Structured digital literacy, computer skills, and fundamentals of AI, along with workshops on Oromo history and traditional practices.
Settlement navigation, language assistance, financial literacy, and career readiness services.
Training in industry-specific terminology, resume development, guidance, and practical job placements.
In line with our commitment to our donors, the City of Calgary and neighboring towns, the Government of Canada, and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), TICO operates with full transparency.
Newcomers, refugees, Black and racialized communities, individuals living with disabilities, and other equity-deserving groups frequently encounter compounded barriers to settlement and economic stability.
Rapid digitalization in the workplace leaves many lacking essential computer skills or AI literacy.
Skilled individuals face challenges with Canadian workplace culture, industry jargon, and local resume standards.
Poverty, food insecurity and language barriers hinder integration and wellbeing.
Few accessible spaces honor heritage while helping people navigate their new home.
High unemployment and language barriers lead to financial instability and social isolation for Oromo families.
Conflict and displacement in East Africa have left thousands of widows, orphans, and Indigenous families without basic necessities or access to education.
Through mentorship, newcomers are supported by individuals who have faced similar challenges. By bridging cultural divides, we help people maintain their roots while flourishing in their new surroundings. Together, we create a resilient community prepared for success both locally and globally.
Donate, volunteer your skills, or partner with us to build stronger, more inclusive communities in Calgary and abroad.
