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| Voices: Turning words into action |
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Many
Somali young people are bilingual. The two languages are likely to
be their mother tongue and the European language of the country that
they have lived in before coming to the UK. Coming to finish their
schooling in the UK can present lots of challenges which the community
together with the colleges are trying to overcome.
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| The
Somali community gets involved |
The majority
of the Somali community are under 20 years old. Regent College in
Leicester has a large Somali student population. The principal of
the college - Eddie Playfair has employed Mohamud Tarey as a mentor
for these young people who are trying to finish their education amidst
a host of new challenges.
Every
education system in Europe has different ways of teaching and examining
students. You may find yourself a top student in the Netherlands and
yet only a fair to middle student according to criteria here in the
UK. This does not mean that your ability is necessarily less than
others here in the UK just that the system is different.
Somali young people have a variety of issues to face as a student
here including a lack of understanding of the UK and the education
system.
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| Women
of the Somali community also take part |
They have
been subject to bullying and racial harassment as well as having feelings
of alienation powerlessness and frustration. Many young people will
have left friends behind in other European countries and language
barriers often increase the feelings of isolation when trying to make
new friends.
It is likely that their families have been separated and they are
living in poor housing conditions in the city and deal day to day
with general problems bought on by poverty.
However despite all of this many teachers have commented on the determination
of the Somali community to gain a good education for their children
and also the ability of the Somali students to adapt and show resilience
and determination in the face of adversity.
My experience is that this is a highly aspirational community
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Eddie
Playfair
Taken
from Regent college briefing paper by Mohamud Tarey
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Eddie
Playfair the principal of Regent college has said "My experience
is that this is a highly aspirational community which despite them
facing serious economic, social and linguistic barriers to progress
in the short term has the potential to make an enormous positive contribution
to the future of the city".
Mohamud Tarey ran a day called 'On The Right Track' which was well
attended by members from the Somali community. The day looked at the
University System as well as the Sixth Form and Further Education
Colleges. There were workshops and discussion throughout the day that
proved to be illuminating for all that attended. |
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Find
out more:
The BBC Leicester Voices project focuses on the Somali community. |
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What
is Voices?
Capturing the
stories, concerns and aspirations of those unheard voices across the UK.
Find out more here.
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BBC Leicester, 9th Floor,
Epic House, Charles Street, Leicester, Leicestershire. LE1 3SH
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