Our Reports
Somali Community Development
Summer Activities Report
2006
Written by Mohamoud Hassan, Director of Somali Community Development
Venue, date and time of the activities
The Summer activities for Somali youth ran from Jubilee Waterside Centre in Kings Cross, 105 Camley Street, Elm Village London NW1 0PF on Thursdays 10, 17, 24 and 31 August 2006. On Thursday 10th the activities for boys started at 10am while activities for girls started at 2pm. The rest of the days (Thursdays 17, 24 and 31) activities for boys started at 12noon while activities for the girls always started at 2pm. Initially we planned for the boys’ activities to start at 10am but some parents verbally complained about the starting time for boys’ activities. We consulted with the centre, the parents, our staff and volunteers and then moved activities from 10am to 12noon.
Funding received and how it has been used
We received £3,856 from Camden Youth and Connexions to provide summer activities for the Somali youth in Camden. The money was used to hire the centre with 3 instructors available for 4 hours each week and also to pay the salary of our staff. The fund was used fully to achieve the objectives of the project.
Project success
The project was a success, because it gave opportunity to the children to enjoy during the summer holiday. Participating children and youth saw the challenge as both entertaining and enjoyment. Some parents also took part but as spectators and helpers while they watch their children perform different challenges.
Project participation
There are 64 children and youth that registered with the service. All of them took part except 6 of them for various reasons. Both boys and girls participated all activities that include Kayaking & Canoeing, Abseiling and Rock Climbing.
Project workers and volunteers
There were up to 5 workers and 3 volunteers that made the project success. In addition the centre offered 3 fully qualified instructors for the project.
Pupils’ view
“It was enjoyable and fun for all ages. I really liked the canoeing because I love water sports” said a girl.
“I think we should have been allowed to stay longer” said another one.
“Everything (here) is good” said a boy
The children, parents, careers, staff and the trust management would like to than Camden Council for supporting and funding this summer fun activities.
Brighton Trip 9th September 2007
We were part of local parents travelling to Brighton with our children. Our group consisted of four Somali fathers and seven of their children as well as the Somali Fathers’ worker who co-organised the trip. We travelled with Bangladeshi Parents in a trip that organised by our local Sure Start fathers’ worker; Anjumon Bokth. We left London at 9:30 am and came back around 9:00 pm.
On arrival at Brighton sea-side, each group went by themselves and our Somali group went straight to the beach area. We ate our dinner at the seafront while the children played there. Then excitedly the children went to the sea to feel its magic. Some of the children were as young as six years old while some of them were ten years old. It was the first time that they saw the actual sea and visualised it physically. It was a real both experience and educational for them and they loved it.
After that, we went to Rides and Amusement area. The children used the different rides; age appropriate ones though and enjoyed them very much. They experienced adventure and great fun. You could tell just by see their delighted faces as well as hearing their magnificent description of their adventures.
In late afternoon, we went to visit the Brighton Mosque; sightseeing and praying there. It was a surprise to some fathers that Brighton had a Mosque. They did not expect that totally, but we reminded them that here in the UK we value each other’s culture and religion. Therefore, this country has been and will always be a wonderful Country to all its people.
During trip we had different entertainments; jokes, songs and story telling by the children. Finally, we all had a wonderful trip enjoyed by both Parents and children.
Prepared by M. Jama
Somali Fathers Worker
Somali Community Development Trust
Kings Cross, WC1
