HORN OF AFRICA PEOPLE'S AID NI HORN OF AFRICA PEOPLE'S AID NI Annual Report 2022- 2023 Chair Remarks, As I reflect on the accomplishments and dedicated efforts of the past year. l am compelled to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Horn of Africa People's Aid Northern Ireland IHAPANII volunteer5, including our esteemed voluntary board members. Your unwavering commitment and selfle55 contributions towards the objectives of our organisation have been truly commendable. Serving as the Chair of Horn of Africa People's Aid Northern Ireland from 2022 to 2023 ha5 been an immense privilege, and l extend my sincerest thanks to all involved. Our journey has been marked by the tlreless Èndeavours of our devoted stsff and volunteers, who have stood as pillars in advocating for and addressing the needs of indivitluals from the Horn of Africa residing in Northern Ireland and beyond. Despite the intficate nature of specific (ases that rightly belong within the purview of statutory agencies. our collective efforts have positively imparted numerous individuals. Through our Ini￿ativeS, we have facilitated access to education and housing and provided essential financial aid to those experiencln8 poverty within our community. As we chart our course forward. our current strategic plan for HAPANI spans the next five years. bearing the hallmèrk of enhanced advoocy iniiiatives geared towards catalysing substantive change. Our primary goal remains steadfast: to exert sustainetl pressure on public avthorities. compelling them to be more responsive to the distinct requirements of the beneficiaries of our services. In this pursuit. we aim to addres5 immediate needs and insti8ate wstemic change that w511 benefit future generations. The next phase of our journey involves collaborative partnerships, innovative programmes, and unwavering dedication towards achieving our mission of providing holisti support and championing the rights of individuals from the Horn of Africa community. As we embark on this continued endeavour, l invite you io join hands with us. contributing your expertise, support, and enthusiasm towards our collective vision. Let us carve a I￿Vre where compassion. empowerment, and inclusivity reign. With sincere appreciadon, Acknowledgements Our work was made possible with support from many public and private partners. We are tr¥Jly grateful for 311 the support, including financial and in-kind. Belfast Clty Council BBC Children In Need National Lottery Communlty Fund Communlty Foundation for Northern Ireland Vodafone Charlties Connerted Co-operation Ireland Souter Charitable ww.neighbourly.com About HAPANI Horn of Africa People's Aid Northern Ireland IHAPANII is a registered charity and a non- government81 organisation which suppons individuals livin8 in Northern Ireland from the Horn of Africa: Djibouti. Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia and the Republic of Sudan and South Sudan. HAPANI is open and accessible to all and does not discriminate against ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender. or social origin. HAPANI was formed in 2011 by indiwtluals from HOA communiil'es in Northern Ireland, with the support of committed residents. Registered as a company limited by guarantee, it has charitable status. HAPANI operates honestly, openly, and tranSpa￿ntlY and will partner with individua15 and organisarions that do the same. HOA refugees in Northern Ireland face problems with access to service Pfovlders due to language and knowledge barriers. There are problems with housing, particularly in the private rented sector. There are challenges in securing employment, even when refugee stotus is granted. There are health issues, including those stemming from trauma in the region. ranging fTom mental ill-health to FGM. For some, the asylum pr¢xess can cause trauma, given the immense uncertainties and the risk5 of destitution and deportarion. And there a￿ difficulties with family reunification, with further issues regardin8 children's entry into school. Core objectives To develop independent inttsat6ves that foster autonomy and participation among Horn of Africa individu31s. To raise awarene55 Within public services so that they can respond flexibly to the needs of individuals from the Horn of Africa and beyond. -To challenge intolerance towards individuals from African communities in Northern Ireland. _To develop mutual support between Horn of Africa indiwduals. refugee5. asylum seekers. dependants, and members of the "host" community. To raise funds and resources for educatlon, agriculture. and health-related projects in the Hom of Africa countries. Areas of work HAPANI offer a wide range of programmes and activities for the benefit of the HOA and wider BAME ￿sIdentS living within Northern Ireland. All a￿ speofically designed to support and enhance the lives of our deprived community. Through its artivities. HAPANI aims to provide Its participants with the tools necessary to live healthier and happier lives. Our acDvities include: Homework dubs Employment scheme for men and women -Destitution Pfojert Housing programme Advocacy Sports Computer suite Volunteer co-ordination Drop-in se￿&(e ignposting -outreach activities Youth leadefship tackling digital poverty Projett Retreat Housing: Community-Led Housing Project Youth Soci31 Action One Child. One Device Destitute/Drop-In Service Homework Club Scholarship Language Classe5. Cultural athvI￿e$ and trainln8 Youth Leadership Workshops We are Highlighting here some of our above projects. Destitution Project: Making a Difference Amidst Adi'ersity In the financial year spanning from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023, Horn of Africa People's Aid Northern Ireland IHAPANII witnessed unwavering SUPPOrt from dedicated funders and sLtpporter5. This steadfast backing enabled us to impact the lives of Impoverished people in our community significantly. This year's pivotsl highlight was the successful distribution of £130,245 in cash donations through our Destitution Projert. Thi5 vitsl support directly reached 440 households and indiviLluals, offering immediate relief during extreme need. These funds alleviated hardships. providing stability to the most vulnerable members of our community. Our hearrfelt gratitude extends to our esteemed funders whose generous contributions made this achievement possible. Their compassion and dedication to our caLtse empowered us to raise support and reinforced our commitment to advocating for those in dire circumstances. We sincerely appreciate our funders, unwavering belief and trust, allowing US to execute projerts effertively and reach those urgentty requiring assistan￿. Their dedication resonates with our mission. and V￿ 3re honoured to h￿e their partnership in bettering society- Additionally. Sincere thanks 80 to our supporters, volunteers, and tommunity members. Your contributions, be it time. effort. or resources. amplified the impart of our initiaDves, fostering hope wtthin our community. A5 we conclude this financial year. HAPANI remains steadfast in its core values. Despite challenges, with conttnued support from stakeholders and the community. we are resolute in forging ahead to create a more compassionate and inclusrve society for all. Thank you for beSng an integral part of our impaaful journey. Digilal Poverty Tackling: BridgiDg the Gap with Olle Child, One Device In the pursuit of combating digitsl poverty among young people from the Horn of Africa communities in Northern Ireland and beyond, HAPANI is proud to have successfully implemented the One Child One Device programme. This crucial initiatlve aimed to address the pressing Issue of digltal exclusion, partbcularly among the youth, and has yielde(i slgnificant positive outcomes. Over the period from April 1. 2022, to March 31, 2023. our programme facilitated the distribution of 1,101 six-month SIM cards to users of our seryices. These SIM cards, provided as part of the project. have been instrumentsl in bridglng the connethvity gap for young individuals and hoijseholds. enabling them to access essential resources and tools required for their academic pursuits. The invaluable support from the Vodafone Charthe5 Connerted campaign has been pivotal in making this endeavour possible. Their partnership and contribution have played a crucial role in providing devices and connections to children and young people. empowering them to engage effectively in remote learning and work. Through this initiative, we have dSrettly imparted the INes of those most in need within our ommunity. By addressin8 the digital divide. we ensured households facing economit challenges did not mlss out on educational and other essenn'al opportunities due to limited internet access. This support aimed to equip them to reach their full potents.al and keep various pathways open for future success. So far, the successes represent the beginning of our One Child, One Devio programme. HAPANI remains committed to supporting our young people an(1 eradicating digital poverty. This initiative is not a temporary fix but a long-term commltment to creaknng las￿n8 benefits for our community and future generations. The project's profound Impart on the lives of our youth has been a SOLtrrce of immense pride for us. Moving forward, we are dedicated to continulng our efforts to ensu￿ that di8ltal inclusion remains a cornerstone of our community's Browth and progress. Summar),: People And Communilies Project Impa¢t The People and Communities project, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, has been instrumental in empowerinR HAPANI to address the pressing needs of our local community. Emphasising inclusivity and equality, all our activities are meticulously designed to cater to the challenge5 faced by indiwduals, panicularly refugees, asylum seekers. and those from diverse cultural backgrounds IBAME communities). Central to our approach is ihe involvement of volunteers and 5tsff who bring firsthand experiences related to the issues we seek to tackle. Through comprehensive consultation methods like feedback forms. focus groups. and informal conversations, we ensure community input in shaping every initiative. This collective effort aims to facilitate equal access to services, breaking lan8ua8e and cultural barriers. The involvement of a business development manager has been pivotal in idenrifying and planning new athvities. Continuous community consultstion remains integral, ensuring alignment with evolving needs. Rigorous evaluation of our program5 aids In understanding their impact, informin8 future Initiatives. and enhancin8 our effectiveness while fostering a sense of community empowerment. This initiative has ylelded significant benefits for both HAPANI and the community. We've seen substantial organisational growth by offering support and eqLral actess to services, particularly to marginalised groups. Employing a managerlal role ha5 enhanced our operational efficiency and strurture, leading to better coordinab.on of activities and volunteers. Throughout the past year, we've experienced a surge in demand for OLbr diverse service5, from educational support like homework clubs and lan8u3ge classes to a￿0£arY work. cultural events. and innovative projects like the digital poverty initiative. Our housing project and other community-focused programs h3ve p05itively imparted hundreds of individuals. Transitioning from a volunteer-led model to incorporating paid staff has been tfansformative. Despite initial challenges. this change has significantly improved planning and management capacities, leading to more effective operations. Looking ahead, we anticipate and are prepared to address future challenges. building upon the fOund3￿0n laid in this successful year. In Conclusion. the past year has been a testament to our dedication, adaptability, and responsiveness to community needs. HAPANI remains committed to expanding services, adapting io challenges. and con51Stently serving the diverse needs of our community in the forthcoming vear. Addressing Critical Challengos Faced by Refugees Asylum Seekers: A Collaborative Effort The joint endeavour between HAPANI and AKIDWA. supported 8raoously by The All-lsland Fund and The Community Foundations. has brought to li8ht the pressing difficultfes refugees and asylLsm seeker5 encounter in Northern Ireland. Engaging with over 150 individuals, our collective initiaDve has revealed profound case studies that vividly illustrate the daily, formidable obstscles confronts.ng these resilient communities. These case studies serve as poignant refiections, shedding light on the systemic issues profoundly impacting refugees and asylum seekers. For instance. Case Study l outlines Nawal's stru88le as a qualified special needs teacher, unable to Secure employment due to location constraints and a lack of nearby childcare facilities. Similarly, Case Study 2 illuminates Noah's predicament a law degree holder compelled to work as a taxi driver due to extended stays in Direct Provision Centres, depriving his family of fundamental rights. The emot6onal toll is palpable in Case Studres 3 and 4, where Dttta and Lara navigate distressing circumstances that affect their well-being and that of thelr children. emphasising the urgent need for heightened support and empowerment. Case Study 5 casts a light on the educational deprlvation faced by asylum-5eeking chlldren. highli8hting the disruprive impact of relocatlon and inadequate access to proper schooling, further exacerbated during the lockdown. Furthermore, Case Study 6 reveals the barriers limttin8 the educational paths of migrant children. especially in STEM subjects. stifling their potential. Case study 7 underscores the challenges in accesslng healthcare for disabled indTrviduals due to language barriers and adminlstrative hurdles, intensifying their vulnerability. Additionally, Case Study 8 exposes the inadequate living conditions Within Dirert Provision Centres. leading to privacy breaches and mental health strains amon8 residents. Tragically, Case Study 9 portrays the harsh reality of long-term asylum seekers grappling with rejection and poverty, underscoring the dire need for enhanced support and resources. These compelling case studies strongly advocate for immediate poliry reforms and systemic hanges to alleviate the multifaceted challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers In Northern Ireland. We advocate for.. Enhanced accessibility to employment opportunities by addresslng location barriers and childcafe constraints for qualified Individuals. Dignified living conditions, pri￿￿(¥, and CoMp￿henSlve mental health support for residents. Tailored educationol programs that cater to the diverse needs of asylum-seeking children. ensuring uninterrupted access to quality schooling. Improved healthcare access by elimina￿n8 language barriers and administrative obstacles for disabled and vulnerable populations. Strengthened support systems and resources specifically des5gned to address the needs and vulnerabilities of long-term asylum seekers. Together, HAPANI, AKIDWA, and The All-lsland Fund atThe Community Foundations champion these pivotal change5. Striving to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for refugees nd asylum seeker5 in Northern Ireland. Our collective efforts have culminated In the publication of the Toolkit- Becoming Culturally Competent,, aimed at guiding service providers and Individuals working with vulnerable migrants. This toolkit underscores the importance of cultural competence. self-awareness, cultural knowledge.13n8uage profioency, and support systems as indispensable pillars for effertive service delivery and community integration. It is imperative to heed these calls for change and unite in creating a more compassionate. inclusive. and equitable sooety for refugees and asylum seekers in Northern Ireland. Building Futures, Empowering Communities. l) Retreat Housing: A Beaeon of Hope for New¢ome HAPANI proudly introduced Retreat Housing in the fiscal year, a pioneering community-driven venture designed as a sustsinable social enterprise. Retreat Housin& the social enterprise branch of Horn of Africa People's Aid Northern Ireland IHAPANII, targets housing and homelessness issues among refugees and asylum seekers in Northern Ifeland. To address hurdles such as private rentals, language barriers with landlords, and accessing public housing, Retreat Housing emerged as a Community Interest Company under HAPANI'S OWne￿hlp. Its primary goal is to ensure every individval has a home and feels a sense of belonging by provlding affordable housing and community-driven support. HAPANI'S Comprehensive Housing Advocacy and Support: As5istin8 379 Cases in Referrals, Financial Support. and Different Secror's Advocatv101 April 2022- 31 March 20231. Additionally. Retreat Housing aims to create job opportunities and training programs to help newcomers integrate into the job market. Support from CFNI, Co-operation Ireland, and the Oak Foundation has backed the initr"ative. HAPANI has identified potential assets for repurp05ing to tackle homelessness, concentrating on two properties for Phase 112023-20241 and planning five more for Phase 1112025-20271. Retreat Housing is committed to bridging the housing BJp for refugees and asylum seekers, enabling their smoother integration into Northern Irish society. 2) Youth Social Aetion: NurtllriDg Fulure Leaders: Our vibrant youth took the helm with the inception of the Youth S¢xial Action project. demonstrating exempl3ry leadershlp, iniriative. and dedication. This initiative contr.nues to flourish. offering diverse aCDviti"es aimed at mentorin& cultrvatr'ng leadership skills, fostering camaraderie throLtgh sporting events, and spearheading variou5 s¢xial actton endeavours. Empowering the younger generation lies * the heart of HAPANI'S mission. Through the Youth Social Action project, we nurture leadership qualities, encourage teamwork, and instil a sense of social responsibility among our youth. This dynamic initiative fosters personal growth and cultivates a spirit of giving back to the community. This project's ongoing success highlights our youth cohort's incredible potenrial. It is a testsment to their passion for effetting positive change and our unwaverin8 dedication to building 3 brighter future for themselve5 and our communities. Reflecting on the past year's achievements. these initiatives underscore HAPANI'S unwavering commitment to creating sustainable solutions. fosterinB cornmunity-driven change. and empowering individuals to thrive. We look forward to continuing this journey of transformation and impèct in the years to come. HAPANI DroFln Services: Supporting Our Community's Necds HAPANI operate5 a vital drop-in service from our centrdl Offi￿ in Belfast, effectively managed by our committed volunteers. This pivotal plarform Is a guiding beacon. directing members towards appropriate services while identifyin8 prevalent issue5 and emerging trends within our community. This year, our drop-in volunteers achleve(i a srgnificant milestone by extending support to 582 families and individuals seeking assistance from our services. This succe55 underscore5 the efficary of our drop-in service, showcasing its pivotal role in meeting the diverse needs of our community. Our drop-in service serves as an essential avenue through whith HAPANI provides immediate assistance and gathers critical insights into recurring challenges faced by individuals and families. These insights form the basis for tailored support ini1Satives and effectively resolving systemic issues. HAPANI tskes immense pride in the dedicated efforts of our drop4n services. As we move forward, our unwavering commitment remains foojsed on these services. continual enhancement and expansion. We aim to ensure that our community receives the support and guidance necessary for their well-bein8 and contr.nued progress. Football Aetii'ities Enriching Communitv EDgagemeDt Our orEanisation has actively engaged diverse age groups through football-centric initiatives to foster community integraDOn, physical and mental well-bein& and sheer enjoyment. Here's limpse of our imp3ctFul a(tivitr"es: Engaging Older Community Members.. At Shaftesbury Community Centre, we've condurted bi- weekly football sessions catering to indiviLluals aged 18 and above. These sessions airn to alleviate isolation, combat boredom. and promote holistic health. Witnessing the enthusiastic participation of ¢)ver 45 indivi(iuals has been indeed heartening. Empowering Younger Generation.. Weekly football sessions held at Ozone Ormeau Park have been dedicated to youngsters aged 8 to 16. These sessions focus on fun, fitness, and community interaction. Approximately 50 young parricipènts have actively engaged and thrived within this environment, fostering personal growth and a love for the game. ParDcipation in Tournaments.. Our under-18s have showcased exceptlonal prowess in the Kick off tournaments, reaching the semifinals for two consecutive yeats. Aniicipation runs high as our senior player5 passionately represent us in the Northern Ireland Confederation Cup, demonstratfng remarkable dedication and sportsmanship. Community