One year ago, Folaranmi arrived in Canada from Nigeria with his wife and daughter to pursue a Master’s in Organizational Management at Crandall University. As a newcomer, he was eager to apply his learning to make a meaningful impact in his new community.
His journey into community impact began long before arriving in Canada. During his undergraduate years in Nigeria, volunteering became a defining part of his life. Through the national service program, he led a community development project that earned him a national award.
“I realized how profound supporting a community can be, how one person can make a real difference in people’s lives when support is given with purpose,” he said.
At Crandall University, Folaranmi’s understanding of service deepened. Through the Canadian Organizational Behaviour course, he was introduced to the realities of adapting to a new culture and workplace while gaining deeper insight into leadership, organizational dynamics, and people management. The Master of Organizational Management program further developed his leadership skills and strengthened his ability to manage people effectively, while also supporting his cultural immersion and helping him adapt confidently to the Canadian professional environment.
Although Folaranmi was a newcomer himself, these experiences inspired him to support others starting their journey in Moncton.
“I realized that the knowledge I was gaining could be useful to others,” he said. “I wanted to apply it to support newcomers, helping them adjust their thinking and navigate cultural differences.”
This led him to volunteer with The Together Project, where he supports the Welcome Group Program. In this role, he works alongside other volunteers to provide social support to a refugee newcomer family from Syria.
“Beyond the essential services they needed—government, social, employment, and housing—the family, speaking Kurdish, really wanted to communicate confidently in English and build a social network in Moncton,” he said.
Each week, Folaranmi and the volunteer team worked with the family to practice English and build connections, producing clear, measurable results over time.
“Now, the family is really proficient,” he said. “Before, they used this translator app on their phone, but now, I notice that they are using more words to communicate effectively.”
One of the most meaningful parts of the experience for Folaranmi has been witnessing the family’s growing confidence.
“When they first arrived, they didn’t go out very much,” he said. “So we helped one of them to get a volunteer position at The Humanity Project. Now, she helps in a kitchen that provides services for the homeless.”
As the family became more settled, their confidence turned into independence and leadership within their own community.
“Now we call them, and they say they’re busy,” he said, laughing. “I was so happy to hear them say, ‘I’m welcoming some people from my country!’ So now they’re making connections and showing people around like we did for them. It makes the Together Project team proud.”
Folaranmi emphasizes that commitment is essential, regardless of the season.
“Even with the Canadian weather, it’s important to encourage everyone to stay connected,” he said. “Commitment is key, especially during the winter. Encouraging newcomers to go out and engage is essential, because coming to Canada means life goes on.”
He also highlights the importance of service-driven commitment, encouraging volunteers to lead by example.
“Support doesn’t have to be complicated, it can be as simple as listening, sharing your experience, or making a quick check-in call,” he said. “Regardless of our schedules, as volunteers, we should be prepared to commit so that by the end of the program, our matches have grown, improved, and feel grateful for the positive impact we’ve had on their lives.”
For Folaranmi, one of the most meaningful aspects of volunteering in the Welcome Group Program has been the relationships he has built along the way.
“I never thought I would have Kurdish friends,” he said. “Now I understand more about their background and history. I’m in a position to learn from them and allow their experiences to influence me as well.”
His impact extends beyond direct volunteering. During a recent workshop in Fredericton, Folaranmi participated in a session where attendees were asked to list settlement services they were familiar with. When he mentioned The Together Project, he noticed that many participants were not aware of the initiative. He took the opportunity to share more about the Welcome Group Program and its impact.
“The impact grows gradually, with each volunteer and each newcomer,” Folaranmi said. “We need to make sure that people understand the value of Together Project in New Brunswick and beyond.”
