Story: Lisa Swift
Just one year ago, Mothers of Burngreave Network started activities at Verdon Recreation Centre, so that their children could have a safe place to be after school. Since then, the group of Somali women have gone from strength to strength.
In October, the group completed Community Development training, gaining skills in first aid, food hygiene and managing their group. They have been supported by local organisations Rite Turn and Ellesmere Youth Project, who have helped them get the training they need to become a strong, independent group.
More than 30 mothers and 100 children come along to sessions on 3 days each week. It is all completely self funded, and is made possible through the women’s voluntary effort.
Amina explained why the group had started,
“Its dangerous for our children outside, there is no one there for them. Boys from our community have been killed, and as mothers we have to do something, we want to help our children.”
Farah said,
“Mothers come here and they can spend time with their children, developing a good relationship with each other.”
The group runs sports activities, such as football and basketball, alongside story telling, Somali dance and painting.
Sessions are run for boys and girls. They have also organised fund raising events and a trip to the seaside. They recently visited a farm in Wales called Degmo, which teaches people about Somalian culture.
Zenab explained the importance of the trip
“We want to show our children about Somali culture, we want them to understand the outdoors. We had to sleep on the floor and there was no TV, so we did a lot of talking, and the children are still talking about it now.”
Maryam told us,
“There’s still a lot that needs to be done, we need advice and help, there is still a long way to go. We want to help our children with their education as well as making a safe place for them to have fun.”
The Mothers of Burngreave Network are at Verdon Recreation Centre, Thursday 7- 9pm, Fridays 8-9pm and Saturday 5-7pm.