08/21/2026
The Health Association of African Canadians (HAAC) was pleased to participate in the 2026 Pamoja Nursing Primer, organized by the Multidisciplinary Black Research and Advisory Centre (MBRACe Research Hub) and held at the Black Health Researchers’ Hub in the Collaborative Health Education Building (CHEB), Dalhousie University.
Pictured from left to right: Olayemi Akinrinola, MSc, Prosci®, Project Manager, HAAC; Dr. Keisha Jefferies, Director, MBRACe Research Hub; and Kangwa Napanje, Administrative & Project Coordinator, HAAC.
During the Primer, HAAC connected with nursing students, shared information about community-based programs and services, and highlighted meaningful ways students can engage with and contribute to the Black community.
Our message was simple but important: nursing goes beyond the classroom.
Building a strong nursing career also means developing professional relationships, finding mentors, strengthening cultural competency, understanding the communities we serve, and knowing where patients, families, students, and professionals can access trusted community resources.
We were especially pleased to introduce students to HAAC and the Africa-Caribbean Nursing Continuum Program (ACNCP), which supports eligible African and Caribbean internationally educated nurses and Canadian-trained nurses of African and Caribbean ancestry through mentorship, professional development, licensure navigation support, financial assistance, cultural competency and workplace ethics workshops, and connections to the broader nursing community.
To every nursing student beginning this journey: build your knowledge, build your network, build your community, and as you progress, remember to reach back and help someone else move forward.
We extend our appreciation to Dr. Keisha Jefferies and the 2026 Pamoja Nursing Primer planning team for creating a meaningful space for learning, connection, representation, and community engagement.
To learn more about HAAC programs, visit haac.ca or contact us at [email protected].
For more information about the Africa-Caribbean Nursing Continuum Program (ACNCP), visit: https://projects.haac.ca/
Interested in becoming a HAAC member? Visit: https://lnkd.in/eU5zwTHu