Somali Education Breakthrough

We had a chance to speak to Ismail Yusuf, one of the founders of Somali Education Breakthrough.

“We started Somali Education Breakthrough in 1999 when we realised that a lot of young people were falling behind in their education. Some children were new to the country but also those who were second generation were struggling. We have seen students grow up and graduate and that gives us encouragement to continue helping young people. Parents need help to support children; there is no space at home for children to study. If study support closes, children will spend more time on the streets. We give children an education but also keep them away from crime. We have a waiting list, we want to do more not less.”

Young people told us why the project was important to them. Some of them were also there to help younger children to achieve.

“They give you a lot of support here. If you are struggling with a subject, they will help you. I’m getting As and Bs now. I’m thinking of going into Medicine, definitely going to University. I’d say to the Council, look at what I’ve achieved and think about what the other children could achieve if it stays open.” Mona Y10

“I’ve been coming here 4 years. Before I wasn’t the highest in the class, now I’m the cleverest and that feels good. If it closes, it’s going to be frightening; I wouldn’t know much, because here they explain it better than at school.” Abdihafid Y6

“I’m doing SATS this year. Before I came here, if I couldn’t do something straight away, I would give up, Study Support helps me think positively and try my best and try again. I still find things hard but if I don’t get it at school then I have the chance to get it at homework club.” Laila Y6.

The Messenger spoke with some of the parents of the children who attend study support.

“We want study support to stay because our kids don’t get support from anywhere else. We want our children to come to the study support and learn something useful. The children have been coming here a long time, I have 5 children who come here. My kids are in top sets.”

“If I want a private teacher I have to pay £25 an hour and I can’t afford that. The children need support because we are not British and we need extra help.”

“We used to teach 5 times a week then 3 and now 2. Now they want to close it, it’s just not fair on the children or parents. The children will just end up on the streets.”