As part of the International Conference on Refugee & Newcomer Well-Being 2026, Let’s Help International (LHI) proudly recognized the remarkable individuals, organizations, sponsors, and community partners whose dedication and collaboration made the conference a success.
During the opening session, LHI expressed heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to bringing together leaders, practitioners, newcomers, refugees, faith organizations, government representatives, and community partners for this important gathering.
Special Recognition to the Founder of Let’s Help International
The audience gave a warm round of applause to Mr. Festo Nduwayezu, Founder and Executive Director of Let’s Help International (LHI), in recognition of his vision, leadership, and commitment to creating practical solutions that improve the lives of refugees and newcomers.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Mrs. Rehana Malik-Mbanga remarked:
“Congratulations and thank you for putting this together. To hear that you immigrated here only 2 years ago and you’re already running at full speed—I must commend you for putting this conference together, sharing your experience, and becoming part of the solution for others.”
Her words reflected the spirit of the conference: empowering refugees and newcomers to become leaders, innovators, and contributors within their new communities.
Appreciating Our Conference Speakers and Supporting Organizations
LHI extends sincere gratitude to our distinguished speakers and supporting organizations whose expertise, partnership, and encouragement enriched the conference discussions.
We proudly recognize:
- Mrs. Rehana Malik-Mbanga – Founder, When African Women Talk (WAWT)
- Mr. Festo Nduwayezu – Founder & Executive Director, Let’s Help International (LHI)
- Rev. Patrick Lashley – Retired Lead Pastor, Edmonton Free Methodist Church
- Mr. Abdoulaye Barry – Executive Director, Africa Centre
- Mr. Basel Abou Hamrah – Vice President, Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR)
- Marwa Eisa-Meet – Director of Partnership Development and Management, Takaful Al Sham (TAS)
- Mr. Elisha Byalungwe – Board Member, Let’s Help International (LHI)
- Mr. Rommy De La Cruz – Financial Educator, World System Builder (WSB)
- Ms. Dayo Alabi – Director, Global Communications & Advocacy, Let’s Help International (LHI)
- Mr. Kelvin Ozorah – Manager of Programs – Youth Development, African Canadian Civic Engagement Council (ACCEC)
- Pastor Dike Odimuko – Denomination Superintendent, All Nations Full Gospel Churches International (ANFGC)
- Mr. Fiaz – Business Development, Islamic Family
- Mr. Sharif Haji – Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Edmonton-Decore, Alberta’s New Democrat Caucus
- Chidi Iwuchukwu – (MC)
- Okwuchi Nnani – Director of Stakeholder Relations- Office of the Premier, Alberta
Thank You to Our Community Partners
We also gratefully acknowledge the organizations whose support strengthened the conference and demonstrated the power of collaboration in advancing refugee and newcomer well-being:
- African Baptist Ministries
- Edmonton Mona Ministries
- The Lumora Co
- Hosea Vision Ministries
- Black Business Edmonton
- Lloydminster Local Immigration Partnership (LLIP)
Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating welcoming communities where refugees and newcomers can thrive.
Building Stronger Communities Together
The conference served as a platform for meaningful dialogue on refugee and newcomer well-being, settlement, employment, education, mental health, community engagement, leadership, and long-term integration.
The networking session provided participants with valuable opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and establish partnerships that will continue advancing support for refugees and newcomers across Canada and beyond.
Thank You
Let’s Help International extends its deepest appreciation to every speaker, partner, sponsor, volunteer, attendee, and supporter who contributed to the success of the International Conference on Refugee & Newcomer Well-Being 2026.
Together, we are building stronger communities, promoting inclusion, and creating lasting opportunities for refugees and newcomers to flourish.
Watch Full Speech below:
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