As thousands of Somali newcomers continue to settle across Canada, questions about employment, skills recognition, and long-term integration are becoming increasingly common. Many newcomers report seeking clear, accessible information, especially when language remains a barrier.
One place where those conversations are happening is a weekly TikTok live discussion hosted by CT Somali. This volunteer-run media platform shares publicly available information with the Somali community in their own language.
A Community Conversation in Somali
Since March 2025, CT Somali has hosted a live discussion every Saturday focused on topics affecting Somali Canadians and newcomers, including employment, education, social issues, politics, and community life. The show is hosted in Somali and broadcast on TikTok, a platform widely used within the community.
Much of the information discussed during the live sessions is based on material originally published in English or French, which is then explained and discussed in Somali to make it more accessible.
What began with about 4,000 followers has grown to more than 12,000 in less than a year, with most followers based in Canada, according to the show’s organizers.
Jobs and Skills Take Centre Stage
Last Saturday’s episode, which aired on December 20, focused on employment-related topics, including job searching, skills development, education pathways, and starting a business. More than 100 people tuned in to the two-hour discussion.
Participants included Somali professionals, long-time residents, and business owners who shared their personal experiences of working, studying, or building businesses in Canada. Viewers joined the conversation by asking questions and listening to different perspectives shared during the live broadcast.
Many of the questions reflected concerns voiced by newcomers who say finding work has become more difficult in recent years.
Over the past five to six years, Canada has welcomed a growing number of Somali newcomers, many of them refugees. More recent arrivals, including those who came through family or private sponsorship, have also described challenges navigating employment and settlement systems, particularly when information is not available in Somali.
Working With the Community
The show’s manager and host, Mohammed Adan, said the discussions benefit from participation by a wide range of community members.
“We’re glad that community leaders and business owners have been part of these conversations,” Adan said. “We also welcome community organizations that want to share information and resources so we can help make that information easier to access for Somali-speaking newcomers.”
He said hosting the show in Somali has helped broaden participation.
“When information is shared in Somali, it reaches people who may otherwise miss it,” Adan said. “That’s especially important for newcomers who are still learning English or French.”
A Growing Space for Shared Experience
As immigration to Canada continues and communities adapt to new realities, informal discussion spaces like CT Somali’s weekly TikTok live are becoming more visible. For many viewers, the show offers an opportunity to hear real experiences, learn from others, and stay informed in a familiar language.
CT Somali says future episodes will continue to focus on topics such as employment, skills development, and integration, reflecting questions and interests raised by the community itself.
