We are delighted to welcome 16 talented activists and entrepreneurs to our fourth New Scots Leadership Programme.
Back by popular demand, the six-month course, run in partnership between our Refugee Support Service and Social Enterprise Academy, brings leaders from refugee backgrounds together to support and learn from each other.
The programme empowers refugees and people seeking asylum to harness their existing skills and gain new insights to help them build strong communities with other refugees in Scotland.
We received 100 applications for this year’s programme and the standard was exceptionally high. The 16 successful applicants are from 10 different countries, including Afghanistan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine and Yemen. They are already doing extraordinary work to support others seeking safety in Scotland.
Over the next six months, they will make new connections, build on their existing knowledge and develop new tools and techniques, which they can apply in their communities. We’re honoured to be joining them on this journey.
The group will meet twice a month to:
- Learn from and support each other
- Build their confidence and communication skills
- Gain practical skills to help lead, motivate and inspire others
- Develop tools and techniques to help themselves and their communities thrive
Fatou Cham Gitteh graduated from our 2023/24 programme in May.
As a community activist involved in a various refugee-supporting groups, Fatou is already putting the skills she has gained to good use. She was recently awarded a James McCune Smith Scholarship to do a BA in Community Development at Glasgow University.
Fatou said: “The New Scots Leadership Programme definitely helped me get my place at university. The course is life-changing because it takes you to another level of where you were and gives more opportunities for jobs and learning. I can’t explain how helpful it’s been for me, both in my work and with my studies.
“I met new people and learned new skills. I’m still in touch with the other learners and I’m using what I’ve learned to do my work better and support people in the groups I’m in.
“It’s given me more confidence and improved my group working and presentation skills. Because of standing up to talk in front of the rest of the group, I’m not scared of presenting or speaking in public. I tell everyone to apply for the Leadership Programme. It’s a very good course. Very helpful, informative and motivating.”
Our Refugee Support Service is here for everyone who needs our help, wherever in Scotland they are based. Find out more.
