Cool Cultural Clubs: Spotlighting MENA (Middle East and North Africa Club)
By Jason Aceto
Staff Writer
Who am I? Why did I write this?
As a staff writer, I can research interesting topics and stories. I have always been curious and love meeting people of different backgrounds. This is why I launched this article series dedicated to the various clubs and cultural tapestries of John Abbott College.
What is MENA?
MENA is a club dedicated to exploring, promoting, and educating the various cultures that reflect the diversity of the Middle East and North Africa.
How long has MENA been around, and why did it start?
MENA is a relatively new club that has only been around for two years and has just started its third. The club’s founders created MENA to construct an environment where cultures could flourish beyond stereotypes.
Why should someone join?
Unfortunately, the Western image of the Middle East and North Africa often focuses on violence, conflict, and division. In contrast, the club offers a place of harmony and open-mindedness and a way to put cultural pride forward for those who may be struggling to be proud. For many immigrants, leaving home isn’t just difficult – it’s heartbreaking. Refugees did not choose to have their homes and livelihoods ripped from their very fingers. The struggles they face aren’t self-inflicted; they stem from a history of colonialism and foreign interference. At MENA, they honour the journey and provide a space to heal, connect, and celebrate the beauty of where their family story originated. Finally, you don’t necessarily need to be from an immigrant family; anyone willing to learn is welcome.
Core messages of MENA
If your family is from the region, joining MENA is a great way to find people who share a similar culture and may understand your experience. Many people in this club come from immigrant families, and they long for a sense of their homeland. The club can be a second home away from home. It’s a space where you can represent yourself, share stories, and relate to others who understand the complexities of being from a misrepresented region. Whether your family has faced struggles due to war or migration, MENA offers understanding, camaraderie, and a chance to build friendships that feel like family. It is a great place to discover the truth about cultures that are often misrepresented in the media.
Firsthand account
MENA was the first club I ever attended among John Abbott’s cultural groups, and boy, was it fun! Their members warmly welcomed me and had great conversations with their executive team. We did karaoke, and they even let me sing All-Star by Smash Mouth. This club is quite inclusive, and the party atmosphere was one to remember. I was delighted and honoured when someone asked me if I was Middle Eastern!