Refugee Week: Volunteer’s invaluable work enriches community

A HARDWORKING refugee says volunteering in Thanet has helped him gain new skills and settle into the community.

Naveed Ahmed’s incredible journey has seen him work at the launch of Tracey Emin’s exhibition at White Cube earlier this year and gain skills at social business, Margate Mushrooms.

 The 27-year-old left his home country of Pakistan due to witnessing increasing violence against his community. He said: “In Karachi we were being persecuted for religious reasons. It became increasingly worse until I was scared for my life – I saw a man beaten badly outside the mosque by police just for worshipping there.”

As asylum seekers are barred from employment until they are granted refugee status, Naveed was helped our charity, Kent Coast Volunteering in finding roles within in the community. They connected him with an opportunity at East Kent Mencap before he started at catering school initiative, The Perfect Place to Grow.

The Community Interest Company (CIC) was founded by Margate restaurateur Lee Coad and is supported by patron Tracey Emin. It aims to provide work experience and training for young people out fo work or NEETS.

Naveed said: “Volunteering gave me a way to connect with the community and helped my social skills. It gave me a sense of purpose. I have learned so much and made friends.”

Naveed’s language skills have also significantly improved. He said: “I went to an average school but in Pakistan, but everybody learns English – so I could speak it before I came here. But it has improved so much by meeting new people and getting involved with the community. I am going to take a new qualification soon which will help me with employment opportunities in the future.”

For the latest volunteering opportunities or to discuss potential roles please our volunteering page.