Welcome to Berhan Center
The Berhan Cultural and Education Center, a nonprofit led by parents, is dedicated to creating an inclusive community space for East African families. Once focused on Amharic language education, Berhan has expanded into a comprehensive support center, helping youth navigate life in Canada. Each Saturday, children, youth, parents, and elders gather at our rented space in St. Andrew’s United Church to connect through cultural heritage, traditional Ethiopian meals, and social activities. Berhan marks Ethiopian New Year, Black History Month, and organizes anti-racism events, summer camps, and gym sessions—fostering community bonds, easing stress, and enhancing well-being across generations.
Vision
Berhan’s vision is to be a central hub for East African newcomers in Halifax, fostering a vibrant community that connects cultural, generational, and social ties. By promoting East African heritage, Berhan helps youth and families preserve their roots while adapting to life in Canada. The center provides a space for all ages to gather, share traditions, engage in physical activities, and access educational opportunities. It also aims to create an intergenerational environment where children, parents, and elders interact and learn from each other, building a cohesive community that enhances well-being and belonging.
Watch this CBC segment showcasing Berhan below or in the side picture.
The Berhan Center
Step into the Berhan Center, where Saturdays are dedicated to empowering our youth and uniting our community. With language and cultural programs, fun activities, excursions, parental education, cooking workshops, sports in our gym, and summer day camps, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Come join us for a day of growth, connection, and fun!
Summer Day Camp 2024
In 2024, Berhan’s first Summer Day Camp provided kids with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities three days a week throughout July and August. They enjoyed swimming, hikes, park picnics, a visit to the Africville Museum, space exploration at the Adventure Center, and sports like soccer and basketball. Kids also celebrated birthdays, practiced Amharic, and engaged in indoor activities on rainy days, thanks to a grant from the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage (CCTH).
Black History Month
Berhan School celebrates Black History Month throughout February. Students participate by presenting research they have done on a prominent Black person, and we discuss their past and show Black accomplishments. In addition, we invite guest speakers from our community who would lead different discussions with our students regarding issues that affect the Black community.
Classes
Berhan School offers programs and classes starting from KG- High School. We offer STEM & coding, Mathematics, English, and Amharic classes online. You can learn more about our courses here.
Our curriculum increases our students’ exposure to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). We help keep our budding scientists, artists, and leaders engaged while developing critical problem-solving skills.
Join Berhan School as a student, parent, or volunteer by completing the appropriate form. You can find all the registration forms here.
Forms
Fundraising Events
Berhan School organizes events our students and parents participate in throughout the year.
We are currently conducting a continuous campaign to collect school supplies for schools in Ethiopia, which will run until January 7, 2023.
You can keep up to date with the current event by visiting our event page here.
Events Gallery
Berhan emphasizes social-emotional learning & activities like field trips, games, sports, movie theater afternoons, picnics and beach days to help kids forge positive relationships.
Check out our gallery to view previous activities with our students here
We've also created an Ethiopian community center in the heart of Halifax, where the Berhan family gathers every Saturday afternoon for various activities, such as learning Amharic and participating in gym sports.
