A private street in Scarborough area of Toronto has been named after an Ethiopian Canadian who has made contributions to Canada’s social services among black communities .
After a private bill by the councilor for Ward 23 , Cynthia Lai, the community council of Scarborough approved the naming of the street at 165 Tapscott road as ” Liben Way ”
“This name intends to honor, Mr. Liben Gebremikael, Executive Director of the TAIBU Health Centre in Malvern for 14 years. TAIBU serves the health needs of the Black Community throughout Toronto” .reads a statement from the city council.
Councilor Lai remarked that Mr. Liben deserves this recognition for his immense contribution to the communities in Toronto .
” I am very pleased to announce the naming of a new private street at 165 Tapscott Road for Mr. Liben Gebremikael, the Executive Director of the TAIBU Health Centre. Liben has been with TAIBU for 14 years, which serves the health needs of the Black community throughout Toronto. This is a well-deserved honour for such an important community leader.” says Councillor Lai.
In an exclusive interview with ethiofidel, Liben said that he feltr very proud about the recognition and he thanked the community, his family and all that supported him .
Liben Gebremikael is the first Executive Director of TAIBU Community Health. Born in Ethiopia and now a resident of Toronto, Gebremikael has more than 25 years of experience in primary health care, social services, mental health, and community capacity building and development. He has worked as a social worker, child and family
therapist, project coordinator, and therapeutic group facilitator with various primary care and non-profit organizations serving racialized and marginalized populations in Canada
and the United Kingdom. Gebremikael holds an MA in Migration, Mental Health & Social Care from the University of Kent (UK), a Masters Certificate in Healthcare Management from the Schulich School of Business at York University, and recently completed the Community Health Leadership Program at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.
Located in the Malvern neighborhood of Scarborough, TAIBU Community Health Centre (CHC) provides primary health care and related services for the Greater Toronto area’s black community. TAIBU CHC recognizes the health impacts of the systemic oppression of black people and consequently strives to deliver health services through intersectional, equity based and culturally affirming practices that promote holistic wellness, health education, and prevention.
Since TAIBU CHC’s inception in 2008, Gebremikael has led a dedicated, passionate and professional staff to advance the organization’s mandate and mission. Today, TAIBU CHC has more than 8,000 registered clients who receive a wide range of culturally appropriate health and social
programs and services. The Centre is widely regarded for its non-traditional and innovative approach.
In June 2012, Gebremikael received the prestigious Emerging Leaders Award from The Association of Ontario Health Centres at its annual conference in Toronto. In November 2014, he was awarded the Development Award by the Planet Africa Group”.
Photos : Yohannes Ayalew & TAIBU
