Activities
Discover the activities carried out as part of our programs. Photos, stories and feedback from our community.
YOUR MONEY, YOUR POWER
Julien Combaud led a workshop on credit scoring, comparing credit unions and traditional banks. He explained the importance of the credit score, which ranges from 300 to 900, and its key factors: payment history (30%), credit utilization rate (30%), and account age (15%). He advised not to exceed 30% of the credit limit and to make regular payments to improve the score. He also discussed credit cards, pitfalls to avoid, and the importance of emergency funds. Finally, he highlighted the advantages of credit unions, including their more personalized approach and community involvement. Jean Marie Mabaka Lusasu and Julien Combaud facilitated a session on banking alternatives, particularly credit unions. Julien explained that the savings and loan products offered by credit unions are similar to those of traditional banks, but with a more human approach and a focus on community. Credit unions reinvest their profits internally or within the community. Julienne Umuhoza expressed interest in using these accounts to buy a house or invest. The next session is planned to discuss deposits and investments. Participants suggested holding the sessions on Wednesday or Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Participation in the Impact Frontiers Real Talk panel – ACHA Hub
Participation in the Impact Frontiers Real Talk Panel – ACHA Hub On April 24, 2026, La Termitière participated as a panelist in the Impact Frontiers Real Talk Discussion Panel held at ACHA Hub, on the theme: “Economic Centered Mental Health: The Hurdles and Opportunities for Minorities in Toronto/GTA to Be Set for Stability.” Our presentation focused on the link between financial stress, mental health, and economic stability within minority communities, particularly Black and African immigrant communities in Ontario. We highlighted the challenges faced by many newcomers: precarious housing, difficulty accessing jobs that match their skills, lack of capital to start a business, adapting to the Canadian credit system, and the daily pressure of economic survival. La Termitière also presented the importance of strengthening community economic solidarity mechanisms, including financial literacy, mutual aid circles, community credit unions, entrepreneurial mentorship, and collective support models. This participation served as a reminder that the mental health of vulnerable communities cannot be separated from their financial security, their access to economic opportunities and their ability to build sustainable solutions together.
Community presentation of Ontario Trillium Foundation capital funding.
This event brought together community members for a presentation on the capital funding awarded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation to La Termitière. The meeting aimed to inform participants about the support received, explain its importance for strengthening community activities, and showcase the equipment and materials that will be acquired with this funding. This funding will allow La Termitière to improve its operational capacity, offer better reception, training, and support services, and more effectively support its programs in financial literacy, economic inclusion, community development, and member empowerment. The meeting also fostered transparency, dialogue with members, and their involvement in the organization's development vision. It illustrates La Termitière's commitment to using the resources received responsibly to create a lasting impact within the community.
Community workshop on the need for financial education
This community workshop brought together members of the Francophone community to discuss the importance of financial education in everyday life. The session created a safe and interactive space where participants could reflect on financial challenges, share experiences, and explore practical tools for better money management. The activity emphasized key themes such as budgeting, saving, responsible use of credit, debt prevention, financial planning, and the role of community support in building long-term economic stability. Through dialogue and peer learning, participants were encouraged to strengthen their financial confidence and make informed decisions for themselves and their families. This workshop reflects La Termitière’s commitment to promoting financial inclusion, community empowerment, and economic resilience among individuals and families.
Community-Based Loan Program for Change in Senegal — PCCPC Senegal
The Community-Based Loan Program for Change in Senegal is a solidarity finance and community development initiative led by La Termitière, aimed at strengthening the economic autonomy of women, families, and small entrepreneurs in local communities in Senegal. Through the establishment of community savings and loan funds, the program encourages members to contribute collectively, develop financial discipline, and access financial support tailored to their specific needs. These funds can support income-generating activities such as agriculture, small businesses, food processing, livestock farming, crafts, and other local economic initiatives. The image aptly illustrates the spirit of the project: a community gathering in the field, with committed women, local leaders, and members coming together to discuss financial solidarity, collective organization, and economic development. The project is therefore rooted in local realities, with a participatory, inclusive, and beneficiary-focused approach. The PCCPC Senegal is based on four main pillars: Community capitalization Members gradually contribute to a collective fund to support their own economic projects. Financial education Beneficiaries receive training in money management, saving, responsible lending, planning, and growing small businesses. Access to structured community loans The funds raised enable small loans to be granted to members according to transparent rules, with support and monitoring. Women's economic resilience The program specifically targets vulnerable women, rural women, young female entrepreneurs, and low-income families to reduce their financial dependence and strengthen their economic dignity. In short, the PCCPC Senegal is not just a financing mechanism. It is a tool for social transformation, enabling communities to organize themselves, mobilize their own resources, create sustainable economic activities, and build local financial solidarity to drive change.
Participation in the Panel at the ACE Conference in Vancouver/BC
La Termitière participated in a panel at the ACE conference in Vancouver, BC, to share its experience with rotating savings and credit associations (ROSCAs), community financial support circles, and economic solidarity mechanisms as tools for strengthening the social and solidarity economy. This presentation highlighted the importance of community financial practices in empowering individuals, particularly women, newcomers, and economically vulnerable communities. The discussion focused on how collective contributions, mutual trust, financial literacy, and community support can become concrete levers for promoting financial inclusion, economic resilience, and local entrepreneurship. This participation also provided La Termitière with a strategic opportunity to showcase its approach, promote its solidarity finance model, and build connections with other stakeholders involved in community development, social innovation, and the cooperative economy in Canada and the USA.