‘I was lonely and worried but Sasca was my lifeline’

THE immigration process is one that can leave many people feeling physically exhausted and mentally overwhelmed.

SASCA is one of the few organisations which exclusively provide for Somalia refugees suffering through times of pressure and confusion.

Refugees often arrive alone and have no other means of support.

SASCA aims to help ease the transition for refugees. Difficulties with language and the lack of knowledge with administrative procedures are recurring issues for refugees.

One person who has benefited from the help of Sasca is Fardowsa Abdullah Sharif.

Fardowsa’s husband Abdulkadir, and their two chil-

by Alex Candlin

dren, Ola and Yasim have been separated from her for the last five years. He remains with their children in Somalia to this day.

Fardowsa, pictured, 63, said: “I was lonely and worried. Without SASCA, none of this would have been possible. I did not know the language or how to fill out the forms.

“My support system continues. I was here yesterday to read the letters regarding my family. I cannot read most of the letters. I came here to get help with my letters. It’s been a big help.

“I contact my family by phone. I do not use a computer. I only have £5 of credit for a call every week. But this com- munity has been very supportive to me.

“The process is two years long and I am one year in. It is a long-term process. They require DNA evidence to prove I am the children’s mother, and a marriage certificate.

“I wait every day to be reunited with my family. I try and call every day, but I worry.

“We would be very lucky. We could be together and work together. We could send our children to school and return to family life.”

She said of her family: “I am worried about their life and their conditions. They are young, vulnerable people. I miss them. I’ve missed so many birthdays. I try to send them money”.

Maryam Guleed, 39, sought help from SASCA as a mother wanting to be reunited with her seven children.

When Maryam left Somalia, her youngest child was six months old and she was separated from them for 13 years.

Maryam, pictured left, travelled to South Africa for work, and later in 2012 moved to Manchester. After arriving in the UK, she naturally wanted her children to join her.

But the Home Office interview for immigration is a lengthy two-year process and when Maryam attended interviews, she often found that her lawyer had messed up her documents and she was unable to understand some of the questions the Home Office was asking her.

But with the help of Sasca, things took a more positive turn.

Maryam is eternally thankful for the helpful and friendly assistance given to her volunteers at SASCA, in particular advice from Paul Morris, the resident solicitor, in helping her be reunited with her children.

She thinks it is an amazing facility for Somalis who have moved to Manchester and are not familiar with the country and need help settling in.

Maryam says that she would definitely recommend SASCA to other Somalian refugees.

Trying to do the work alone can be isolating, while working with the organisation fosters a feeling of community.

Remembering the day that she was reunited with her children, Maryam said: “That is something I still feel as though it was yesterday.”

She is also grateful for the financial assistance from Red Cross in helping her to raise her children. Her oldest two children are currently working and feel comfortably settled in Manchester.