Built on care and connection: How one Somali-British girl is strengthening diaspora communities | EUROtoday

From then on, Safia discovered early what it meant to look out for others.

As a main faculty pupil, Safia started serving to newly arrived households by translating at GP appointments and different important conferences, drawing on her family’s expertise of migration.

Now, Safia leads the Women’s Inclusive Team (WIT) as its Chief Executive — a grassroots charity devoted to supporting girls from various backgrounds by socially inclusive, culturally delicate, and well-being-focused applications.

Catalysts for innovation

By shifting between cultures and belonging, not solely do migrant and diaspora leaders acquire a novel perspective, however they typically turn into catalysts for innovation —strengthening native communities, households, and providers, and contributing to society extra broadly.

Safia Jama (left) has devoted her profession to supporting girls from various backgrounds in East London, UK.

Alongside different girls, Safia started working small classes targeted on play-based studying and parenting.

“When I became a young mum in my early twenties, I realised how powerful learning through play could be, especially if women experienced it together,” Safia recalled.

At the time, these approaches weren’t broadly accessible throughout all communities, and lots of moms lacked areas the place they may study and assist each other.

As the charity grew, these actions expanded past studying, opening pathways into employment and expertise improvement for ladies locally.

“Today, the work creates opportunities that support both families and livelihoods,” stated Safia.

Diaspora management

Remittances are very important for households and communities throughout borders, with round £9.3 billion despatched from the UK to Somalia every year.

© Unsplash/Abdullahi Mohamed

Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital metropolis.

Partnering with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), WIT’s challenge helps diaspora communities scale back these prices.

Through digital monetary literacy actions, individuals lower remittance charges by half within the first yr, enabling households to make higher use of their sources.

For Safia, nonetheless, diaspora management extends far past monetary transfers. It is rooted in care, resilience, and duty, contributing to stability and alternative each in international locations of origin and within the UK.

“The connection with our villages in countries of origin is crucial,” she stated. “As everywhere, large cities usually attract most resources. The money we send helps build roads, hospitals, and supports communities that might otherwise be overlooked.”

Women are essential

According to Safia, girls play a central function in the case of remittances. “It is often women who manage the money transfers. They play a central role in supporting their families and communities.” she emphasised.

Women not solely deal with most cash transfers, however additionally they share the data they acquire with others of their group, typically driving each cultural and systemic change.

Safia’s story displays the energy of diaspora management, constructed by care, shared data, and long-term dedication.

Through girls supporting girls and communities investing in each other, her journey reveals how on a regular basis acts of duty can strengthen societies over time.