In 1995 this project was set up to address the particular health education and recreational needs for Somali young people. The project has been developing throughout London and is now providing different activities for the Somali young people living in the other London boroughs.

Through the provision of different youth activities, the Somali Youth Development Project has been very successful in enabling disadvantaged Somali young people to become more familiar with their cultual background, the education system and improve their communication skills. Most importantly these young people have been helped to realise their own self worth and potential.

Introduction

The project is mainly concerned with the development of young people in the East London area providing social educational programmes and activites to enhance their self-esteem, confidence etc. It also provides advice, basic counselling, estate based work, sports and recreational activities, health workshops, residential training, youth club and a girls and young women programme.

The project provides support to people who have difficulty with communicating in English offering them help with filling in forms etc. Its aim is to assist the Somali people in accessing existing services and helping service providers understand and meet their needs. In addition to the young people who benefit from this project, many women also seek assistence in dealing with statutory bodies such as the DSS, Housing agencies, teachers, solicitors etc.


Some Achievements

Racial harassment & Police Workshops 12th Nov and 25th Nov 1999
Two open discussion workshops have taken place; one for young girls and the other for boys. These gave the 12 young people in attendence the opportunity to discuss their experiences of racial harassment, drugs and problems with the police.

Somali youth day to highlight Somali youth health problem
Stone bridge on the hill 15th Feb and 17th Feb 1999
This event was planned and executed in conjunction with other voluntary sector groups such as the Horn Stars Football Club and the Stone Bridge Housing Trust. Over 50 youth from different London schools and colleges turned up. A 5 a side football tournament was organised by and for a group of under 16's for the 15th Feb 1999. The 17th was an open day attended by Somali youth, their parents and respected Somali community leaders.

Drugs awareness day for the Somali young people London Black women's Health Action project 21 April and 26th May 1999.
Two sessions were held to raise the awareness of drugs. Topics covered included Khat, illicit drugs, and other health issues. There were between 18-25 attendants, their age ranging from between 16-22.


Sports to disseminate health matters
Disseminating HIV/AIDS and other general health information through sports sessions has been very successful as it engages the youth through a recreational activity that they enjoy. Through this informal approach, the message of awareness is getting across, and sex and sexuality are now being discussed openly on the pitch.


Recreational activities
The project has two football teams (Junior & Senior). The senior team has been playing in the East London Football League with a considerable amount of success. Lack of facilities and funding to access training venues are the main problem for these two teams. Last November the senior team toured Wales and played an exhibition match in Cardiff.

Helping Somali Youth Groups in Tower Hamlets
(Poplar Somali Youth)
This is a new group that addresses issues facing Somali young people who are still struggling to take off according to their priorities. These include; obtaining a centre for mother tongue classes, helping youth in trouble with the Police and dealing withracial harassment.


Youth Programme Feb 2000 - Dec 2000
Below is a breakdown of the type of activities that are carried out within this project.

The number of Somali young people who participate in the project varies from month to month, but the average number of participants in the activities is 60. There are different services offered during the course of the year.

16th Feb 2000 - Discussion workshop
29th Feb 2000 - Meeting (summer residential outing) for the young people
1st March 2000 - Advice & support
15th March 2000 - Sexually Transmitted Diseases (open discussion)
29th March 2000 - Information & Advice for parents, children and young people
June 2000 - London Somali Youth football tournament
July 2000 - Summer activities for parent and children
August 2000 - Inner city world cup football tournament
19 July 2000 - Residential outings and campings

Through verbal communication with participants and assessment forms it has become clear that the project has been successful in raising awareness and increasing understanding of issues relating to Somali youth. This in turn has empowered the youth to be able to make decisions for themselves about their lives.

The project is achieving its goals by delivering quality services for the community. The number of young people using the services is increasing in line with demand for the project. This indicates the success of our work so far.

Link to:
Young People