Exploring the Impact of Culturally Specific Community-Driven Programs on the Life Journey of African Nova Scotians

Abstract

There has been minimal qualitative research conducted with Canadians of African Descent and further, African Nova Scotians (ANS). Moreover, there has never before been research that explores the impacts of culturally specific community-driven programs on the life journey of ANSs. This qualitative research seeks to examine the effectiveness of participation in such programs as told through their personal experiences. The author also explores barriers, challenges and supports across the life journey as an ANS intersecting her personal experiences into the research as if she were also a participant in the study.

The results of this research revealed that such programs have positive impacts on the life journey of ANSs. Although faced with racism and discrimination, many ANSs are able to overcome these barriers with the aid of supports including identified programs. Overall, through participating in these programs there has been a positive impact on the health & well-being of participants.