 | | | Voices: Turning words into action | | |
Many Somali young people are bilingual. The two languages are likely to be their mother tongue and the European language of the country that they have lived in before coming to the UK. Coming to finish their schooling in the UK can present lots of challenges which the community together with the colleges are trying to overcome.
 | | The Somali community gets involved |
The majority of the Somali community are under 20 years old. Regent College in Leicester has a large Somali student population. The principal of the college - Eddie Playfair has employed Mohamud Tarey as a mentor for these young people who are trying to finish their education amidst a host of new challenges.
Every education system in Europe has different ways of teaching and examining students. You may find yourself a top student in the Netherlands and yet only a fair to middle student according to criteria here in the UK. This does not mean that your ability is necessarily less than others here in the UK just that the system is different.
Somali young people have a variety of issues to face as a student here including a lack of understanding of the UK and the education system.
 | | Women of the Somali community also take part |
They have been subject to bullying and racial harassment as well as having feelings of alienation powerlessness and frustration. Many young people will have left friends behind in other European countries and language barriers often increase the feelings of isolation when trying to make new friends.
It is likely that their families have been separated and they are living in poor housing conditions in the city and deal day to day with general problems bought on by poverty.
However despite all of this many teachers have commented on the determination of the Somali community to gain a good education for their children and also the ability of the Somali students to adapt and show resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
 My experience is that this is a highly aspirational community  | Eddie Playfair
Taken from Regent college briefing paper by Mohamud Tarey |
Eddie Playfair the principal of Regent college has said "My experience is that this is a highly aspirational community which despite them facing serious economic, social and linguistic barriers to progress in the short term has the potential to make an enormous positive contribution to the future of the city".
Mohamud Tarey ran a day called 'On The Right Track' which was well attended by members from the Somali community. The day looked at the University System as well as the Sixth Form and Further Education Colleges. There were workshops and discussion throughout the day that proved to be illuminating for all that attended. | | |
|
 |  |  |  | | | Find out more:
The BBC Leicester Voices project focuses on the Somali community. | | | | |
What is Voices?
Capturing the stories, concerns and aspirations of those unheard voices across the UK.
Find out more here.
| |
 | BBC Leicester, 9th Floor, Epic House, Charles Street, Leicester, Leicestershire. LE1 3SH
| |
|
