Douglas Alexander visits the Somali Integration Society (SIS) and Cyfanfyd

training for trainers workshop

International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander visited SIS and Cyfanfyd in Cardiff  on the 23rd July and  used the opportunity to lauch a newsletter highlighting the UK development work in Somalia.

The SIS has received a £10,000 Mini Grants from the Department for International Development (DFID) Development Awareness Fund  Mini Grants programme  to help young people specifically meet the challenges they face both as members of the Somali community in Wales and as young people growing up in a globalised world.”

Ibrahim Harbi, director of SIS said: “The Somali Integration Society has been set up to provide Somali people with a greater voice to express their needs and issues with development in Wales.

“The funding that we have received from DFID is going to help promote the Millennium Development Goals in Wales, through a schools programme that we will run as part of our Youth for Development initiative. This initiative will also provide young Somali people with a platform to engage with policy officials and Assembly Members, to raise the issues that matter most to them.”

Douglas Alexander also met with representatives from Cyfanfyd to discuss its Development Awareness funded project, which focuses on increasing the capacity of black and minority ethnic orgnaisations and minority faiths groups to engage with development awareness and the millenium development goals.

Dominic Miles of Cyfanfyd said: “Our research has shown that teachers and faith leaders within BME communities can bring a different perspective to education for sustainable development and global citizenship, but they need the tools and information to deliver this, which is where this project will assist.”

Douglas Alexander added: “If we are to effectively tackle world poverty it is vital that we in the UK understand how our actions and choices affect the lives of others, and how we can make a difference by getting involved.

“It is encouraging to see the work being done through Cyfanfyd through their DAF Grant. Their efforts will engage and harness the enthusiasm and knowledge of BME communities to help alleviate the grinding poverty that affects millions throughout the world.”