Somali Civic Leadership Programme

Last Monday, Operation Black Vote (OBV) launched their first ever Somali Civic Leadership Programme. As local members of the Somali community gathered for their induction, there was a keen sense of intrigue surrounding Tower Hamlet’s newest batch of leaders seeking to make an improvement in their society.

As the meeting began, participants were excited to embark on their new journey. Opening remarks made by OBV’s Director Simon Woolley set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. Woolley highlighted the need for action, citing the anti-Muslim and anti-Somali media rhetoric, as motivation for the candidates’ success. He said:

You see what they write in the media and you see what they say about Muslims and Somalis. But in fact it’s time to show what it means to be a leader in these communities… This is the chance to make history and to make a difference.”

He added,

It will take time, effort and commitment but we [OBV] think you are more than capable.”

Newly-elected Councillor Amina Ali, the only Somali Councillor in Tower Hamlets, made a guest appearance outlining her motivation to stand for office and shared her experience of being a Councillor so far.

Councillor Ali and OBV’s Deputy Director, Francine Fernandes, then talked the participants through a number of real life scenarios, informing and inspiring them of how they can become advocates for change in their communities.

All of the experiences will be useful in the coming weeks, as the programme focuses on four areas of public life. A mixture of observation and training sessions in the School Governing System (Education), Safer Neighbourhood Panels (Criminal Justice System), Politics and the Voluntary Sector will help to guide the participants so that they will have the necessary skills to be effective leaders after completion of the programme.

Member, Hashim Omar, stated that he was pleased to be a part of the programme,

I’m really pleased to be a part of a programme like this and I’m especially happy to see Amina. It’s nice to be able to see a familiar face rising through the ranks and putting the needs of real people first. I’ve really enjoyed the induction today. I know this is just the start and I know it will take a lot of hard work, but we’ve made a commitment so we have to see what happens.”

The programme which is part of the SMYM programme sponsored by the European Commission will be based in Tower Hamlets and will consist of 10-12 non-consecutive days over the next six months. The days however will vary depending on the number of public life areas the participants wish to observe. Members are encouraged to choose the areas which they are most passionate about.

Deputy Director of OBV, Francine Fernandes, speaking about the participants and the programme said:

It will be hard work, but you are all beacons of hope for your communities and together can shine a very bright light to empower other members of the Somali community and to improve the services for all local residents."

All participants in the scheme will be hoping that they can emulate the success of many other Somali-British icons. Journalist Rageh Omaar and Labour MP Mark Hendrick are among some of the most notable British-Somalis and participants on the Civic Leadership Programme will hope to become just as successful.

After a great induction, the next meeting will take place after Ramadan.

Adam Sinclair Charles

Picture Caption: A selection of Programme Members pictured with Councillor Amina Ali.