ESSOKA FRENCH BILINGUAL NEWCOMERS HELP CENTER

ARE YOU HERE?

Welcome to ESSOKA French Bilingual Newcomers Help Center

At Essoka, we are more than a support center — we are a bridge to belonging. Based in Ottawa, we proudly serve French-speaking newcomers and Black communities across Canada, helping them navigate their new environment with confidence, dignity, and opportunity.

We offer bilingual services in French and English, including settlement support, employment readiness, cultural orientation, and innovative programs like EmpowerAI — a free AI training initiative for business and content creation.

🔍 Fun Fact:

Essoka was founded by a team of former public servants, educators, and community leaders who believe that language should never be a barrier to success — but a powerful tool for empowerment.

Whether you're looking for guidance, growth, or a sense of community — you belong here.

Community Work Black Community Learning Black Community in Training Session

Our Core Values

  • Inclusion: We create welcoming spaces where everyone's voice is valued and respected.
  • Empowerment: We equip our communities with skills and support to become self-sufficient and impactful.
  • Equity: We break down systemic barriers and promote fair access to resources and opportunities.
  • Innovation: We embrace technology and creativity to build programs like EmpowerAI that prepare our communities for the future.
  • Cultural Pride: We honor diverse identities and promote belonging while helping newcomers preserve and celebrate their roots.
  • Collaboration: We work hand-in-hand with local partners, funders, and community members to maximize impact.

Our Vision

To be a leading bilingual support hub that empowers French-speaking newcomers and racialized communities across Canada to thrive, integrate, and shape their futures with dignity, inclusion, and innovation.

Our Mission

Essoka French Bilingual Newcomers Help Center is dedicated to facilitating the successful integration of French-speaking newcomers by offering inclusive services in settlement support, employment readiness, cultural orientation, digital training, and social inclusion.

We empower individuals and families with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to succeed while embracing and celebrating their cultural heritage.

HELPING HANDS

Join us in making a difference.

Get Involved

Current Project: EMPOWER AI FOR THE BLACK COMMUNITY

Launching of the Empower AI for the Black Community

Funded by Foundation For Black Communities FFBC

📅 Sat, Apr 19 | 📍 Ottawa

AI Training Workshop Tech Skills Training Youth AI Education STEM Workshop

PROJECTS: EMPOWER AI Training for the Black Community in Canada

Funded by Foundation For Black Communities and partially funded by the Government of Canada

Foundation For Black Communities Government of Canada Program Flyer

Our Initiatives

Explore our current projects focused on empowering and supporting newcomers in Ontario. We are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those settling in a new environment.

Training

Providing essential skills for success.

Empowering newcomers through training programs that enhance their job prospects and integration into the community.

Job Placement

Connecting newcomers with job opportunities.

Assisting newcomers in finding suitable employment to support their livelihood and career growth.

Community Support

Building a strong support network.

Creating programs that foster community connections and provide assistance to newcomers in need.

Notre impact / Our Impact

Black Family Community Black Community Gathering Helping Others

Français

Dès le lancement de nos activités, Nous avons apporté de nombreux changements dans la communauté.

  • De plus en plus de personnes parlant français quittent le Quebec pour Ontario.
  • Celles déjà installées estiment que les conditions de vie y sont meilleures

English

Since the start of our organization, we have made numerous changes in the community.

  • More French speaking people are moving to Ontario from Quebec
  • Those already living in Ontario are finding life a lot easier

Notre communauté / Our Community

Français: Notre objectif principal est de faciliter l'intégration des francophones dans la communauté ontarienne.

English: Our main goal is to facilitate the integration of the francophone in the Ontario community.

Our Services

Newcomer Support Employment Readiness Digital Skills EmpowerAI Training

Settlement Support

Guidance for newcomers navigating their new environment in Canada.

Employment Readiness

Training and resources to prepare for the Canadian job market.

Cultural Orientation

Programs to help you understand and integrate into Canadian culture.

EmpowerAI Training

Free AI training for business and content creation.

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Stories for Seniors

Coming soon - inspiring stories from our community.

Active Black Seniors Black Professionals in Office

Videos

Watch our latest videos and learn more about our programs.

ESSOKA Introduction

NGO Overview

French Bilingual Newcomers Help Center

Community Activities

Workshop Highlights

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Blog

Stay updated with our latest news and insights.