A young entrepreneur from Syria is transforming the lives of refugees in Greater Manchester with new digital literacy initiatives.
- The initiative, Social By Design, aims to provide essential digital skills to refugees and asylum seekers.
- Workshops, 1:1 support, and multilingual digital platforms are the core offerings of this programme.
- Challenges faced by refugees, including exposure to scams and limited access to services, are being addressed.
- Funding Futures Programme has provided crucial financial support for these transformative efforts.
A young businesswoman, Alaa Alsewid, originally from Syria, is leveraging her personal experiences to bridge the digital literacy gap among refugees in Greater Manchester. Social By Design, her initiative, focuses on empowering these communities with necessary skills to improve their quality of life and integration into society.
The programme offers workshops, one-on-one support, and a community platform available in Arabic, Spanish, and English. These resources are aimed at equipping refugees with the digital skills they need to navigate barriers in accessing services, securing employment, and avoiding scams.
Alsewid was inspired to start this project upon noticing troubling posts on social media from Syrian migrants. Many were victims of scams, facing threats of deportation if they did not comply with false demands. This vulnerability drove her to create solutions for these isolated communities.
The barriers faced by refugees and asylum seekers in Salford, Manchester, and surrounding areas are significant. Limited digital literacy restricts their access to essential support and health services, increases difficulties in job searches, and heightens the risk of fraud. Alsewid aims to fill this gap by offering basic digital literacy training, enhancing their ability to communicate beyond simple phone calls.
The initiative was made possible through an £8,000 grant from the Funding Futures Programme, a collaborative fund from UnLtd, Co-op Foundation, and Phoenix Group. This support has been pivotal in launching Social By Design, allowing Alsewid to focus fully on her mission without financial distractions.
Speaking on her motivations, Alsewid highlights her passion for supporting displaced individuals, fueled by her previous volunteer work with international organisations. She believes in inclusive programme design that incorporates the community’s lived experiences, ensuring that their specific needs are met.
Mark Norbury, CEO of UnLtd, praises young social entrepreneurs like Alsewid for their innovative approaches and commitment to social improvement. He notes their capacity to challenge traditional norms and lead with empathy and inclusiveness.
Nick Crofts, CEO of the Co-op Foundation, adds that the Funding Futures Programme is instrumental in empowering young leaders. It provides them with necessary resources and a platform to drive meaningful change within their communities, fostering future-ready community building.
Alaa Alsewid’s initiative is set to significantly improve the digital literacy and integration of refugees in Greater Manchester, supported by key financial backing and collaborative efforts.
