The first intercultural hub in Abbotsford was launched on Wednesday afternoon at the Matsqui Recreation Centre.The hub is a room dedicated for residents, from any background, to use for cultural education, interfaith learning, networking and other programs..“It’s another effort to try and get people from different backgrounds talking to each other, meeting and realizing that there is far more that unites them than divides them,” said Abbotsford Mayor George Peary.The hub is part of the city’s Building Connections program, a three-year project aimed at creating links between different cultural and faith groups. Funded by the federal government (Abbotsford received $434,000), the program features four partners, the city, School District #34, Abbotsford Community Services and the University of the Fraser Valley.“The city is committed to diversity. We want our workforce to reflect the people we’re serving and we want to make sure the immigrants, when they come here, feel welcome and are given an opportunity to participate in this great city and enjoy the opportunities,” said Peary.Still in its first year, the project has established several goals, including:n A pilot project twinning two schools, Clearbrook Elementary and Sandy Hill Elementary, whose students are now pen pals, and teaching principals, staff and parent advisory councils about diversity awareness.n Initiating talks regarding twinning Northview Church with Gudwara Sahib Khalgidhar Darbar.n UFV developing a monitoring and evaluation system to measure community changes as a result of the project and its programs.n Raising community awareness regarding Building Connections.