Project Somali
Project Somali is a women-led and women-only community organisation supporting women of BAME origins in Small Heath. We run empowering workshops to bring these women together and combat isolation.
Who We Are
We formed this group in 2014, because we saw a serious lack of opportunities and support for Somali women in Small Heath, one of the most marginalised groups in Birmingham.
More recently, we have widened our support to other BAME women in Small Heath who have heard about our work.
We have been fortunate to have been funded by a number of organisations, including the Heritage Lottery Fund and the People’s Health Trust.
Workshops
ESOL Classes
These ESOL classes are unique, as they put particular emphasis on conversation rather than writing. The women themselves designed this programme to include topics which they decided would be most beneficial to them, such as dialling for emergency services, help at the doctors, or how to order food and drink. Their decisions shape the programme of the course, and this unique approach has made these lessons very popular amongst the women of Small Heath in the past as they were covering topics that they could then implement into everyday life.
Employment Consulting and Skills
The employment consulting and skills workshop focuses specifically on preparing the women for the world of work, helping them to prepare and write cover letters and CVs, and practice interview technique. In these classes, we are dealing with a huge range of experiences - for some women, the focus is more on getting work experience first, before they can go into employment. The process of applying for these professional jobs is daunting for these women, as the end-goal seems so far-away and unobtainable. We provide them with all the help, support and encouragement that we can, to enable them to become financially independent.
Sewing Classes
In these classes, the women learn basic sewing skills, and make their own clothes and crafts in a fun, friendly, and supportive environment. The women also learn how to operate sewing machines, work with paper dress-making patterns, take measurements, work with different types of fabric, and follow a step-by-step garment construction process. This group is a safe space, giving the women the opportunity to come and sit together, socialise and network within their community.
