Ranch Ehrlo Society has long encouraged employees to share their hobbies, interests, and cultures with participants to build bonds and introduce new experiences and growth opportunities.
Through the exploration of new worlds, youth can further develop their own identity and understanding of others.
Joy Ogamune, a multiple program worker in the north, is helping do just this by sharing more of her Nigerian culture with youth in Prince Albert and at Buckland campus.
Joy immigrated to Canada from Nigeria in August 2023 and joined Ranch Ehrlo as a multiple program worker in December 2023. Since joining the team, Joy has infused African culture into her work, turning curiosity into conversation, sparking connection with youth and staff alike.
Joy celebrates her culture through stories and activities, and most recently, through food. She uses these opportunities to educate youth about the world’s vastness, demonstrating that despite our differences, we all share similar needs to thrive and live happy, healthy lives.
“I love to cook and I’m always trying to expose others to new foods,” said Joy. “I think it’s good for the kids, especially from my experience seeing how much they all like this Nigerian food.”
Joy has taken it upon herself to prepare healthy, hearty Nigerian meals on a few occasions. She has prepared jollof rice for the kids at Klassen House twice now and has treated program staff and participants at Alex Guy to a special supper of Nigerian fried rice and traditional salad.
“They all love it. The meals are very different from what they usually eat,” said Joy, adding food is a gateway to conversations about culture.
“I remember the first day I cooked, staff and kids kept asking how I made this meal, where did I learn it, how they cook it in Nigeria; I show them all pictures and tell them about my experience.”
As a minority and someone far from “home,” Joy shared that when others show interest and celebrate her culture, she feels a strong sense of pride.
“It feels really good to be honest – I feel proud of myself to be able to share and talk about my country,” said Joy. “I’m happy about it.”
Ranch Ehrlo values and promotes the engagement and education of all cultures to expand participants’ worldviews, fostering inclusivity and cultural competency while providing opportunity for all people of all cultures to celebrate their identities.
We hope that stories like Joy's, inspire our diverse staff to share more aspects of their own cultures with Ranch programs and participants. New experiences have the power to offer invaluable opportunities for growth and healing within our communities by challenging stereotypes, promoting understanding, and celebrating the rich diversity that makes up our agency – and our nation.
