When young refugees arrive in the UK, they meet a very different culture. They begin learning a difficult language, integrating within their local communities and enrolling at school or college. Often they do so without the support of any friends or family.
None of them have chosen this path, and many will find this cold and potentially Covid-restricted winter very difficult. Over the festive period we will be there for young people who are missing home and who want to use their love of education to build a better future in 2022.
One way we are doing that is by building a home away from home for young refugees. Young people have told us for the past ten years how important it is to have a private and safe space to work through their challenges, some of which are emotionally and legally very complicated. They need a quiet environment to study and learn and a social space to meet and grow with others who are in similar situations. This is why REUK is investing in their future and refurbishing a building which they can soon call home.
We launched the building project back in March 2020 and we are almost there. The space is an extraordinary one - each floor has a different feel. The building's foundations have been reinforced, natural light has been let in and now we turn to making the space feel like a home. We need to furnish the whole building, install a security system, complete the loft conversation, finish the 50 stairs across the building and activate the mechanical ventilation system so the building is as ecologically friendly as possible. So many stakeholders - contractors, designers, builders, advisors, fundraisers, donors, staff, young people - have come together to make this building a reality.
We are almost there. We have worked really hard to get to this point and are now £30,000 away from covering the costs of the project.
We really believe that this building will be a place of hope, community and refuge for hundreds of people for years to come. Please contribute what you can to make this house in Harlesden a home. You can read more about the project at www.reuk.org/buildingproject
“Whoever shows philanthropy towards REUK is doing a crucial job for their community. As a young person, I witnessed how REUK has changed my life. REUK has provided me with mentoring support which has hugely affected my startup life in the UK. Also, it helped me to get my first job, which has given me a huge experience. REUK is a place for me that whenever I needed help then they are always there to help. They are doing this for a vast amount of refugees, with little resources they have, so I can't emphasise that how much crucial are REUK is for refugees and young people in our community. Whenever I met with REUK it was in a public space or the old office which is now closed. This was not perfect for the situation I was in. To hear that they are changing and we are going to have somewhere to relax and grow as people is so exciting. Please if you can make a donation. Thanks for your philanthropy!”
- Azad, REUK Voice
A view from Harlesden!
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Image West London Mentoring Coordinator Hammed Kayode Alabi on site!
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