A 62-year-old community activist has credited a leadership scheme for refugees in Scotland with helping her land a prestigious university scholarship.
The New Scots Leadership Programme, a partnership between Scottish Refugee Council and Social Enterprise Academy, works with refugees to build on their existing leadership strengths and empower them to play a proactive role within their communities.
Earlier this week the scheme, now in its fourth year, welcomed 16 refugees based across Scotland for its 2024-25 intake. Participants come from 10 different countries, including Afghanistan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine and Yemen.
Selected from a long list of more than 100 applicants, the cohort will meet every two weeks over the next six months to hone their leadership skills, gain new perspectives and connect with other leaders in Scotland.
Graduates from the scheme will be given the opportunity to complete the Social Enterprise Academy Certificate in Leadership qualification, credit rated by Glasgow Caledonian University.
Read More: Scottish university celebrates strategy helping refugees study
Community activist Fatou Cham Gitteh, who took part in last year’s programme, says New Scots helped her gain a university scholarship -- which she started this month.
Fatou, 62, based in Glasgow, is a founding trustee of Ubuntu Women’s Shelter, a designated shelter for refugee women with no recourse to public funds. She is also a volunteer for the African and Caribbean Women’s Association and women migrant wellbeing support group Saheliya.
Now, four years after returning to college at the age of 58, Fatou has recently started a BA in Community Development at the University of Glasgow. She was awarded the university’s James McCune Smith Scholarship, a grant which supports undergraduate students of African/African-Caribbean backgrounds.
Fatou said: “This is a life-changing course because it takes you to another level of where you were, and gives you more opportunities for jobs and learning.
“The New Scots Leadership Programme definitely helped me get my place at university. It’s very, very good and it’s helped me a lot. I can’t explain how helpful it’s been for me, both in my work and with my studies.
“I met new people and learned new skills. I’m still in touch with the other learners and I’m using what I’ve learned to do my work better and support people in the groups I’m in.
“It’s given me more confidence and improved my group working and presentation skills. Because of standing up to talk in front of the rest of the group, I’m not scared of presenting or speaking in public.
Read More: Hidden voices of refugees given centre stage in University of Glasgow radio play
“I tell everyone to apply for the Leadership Programme. It’s a very good course. Very helpful, informative and motivating.”
Mary Kate Dickie, Programme Manager at Scottish Refugee Council said: “Since its launch four years ago, the New Scots Leadership Programme has gone from strength to strength.
“The overwhelming interest in this year’s programme has been incredibly heartening, and we look forward to welcoming participants onto this learning journey over the next six months.”
Elsa Vibert, Senior Programme Officer at Social Enterprise Scotland, said: “We are delighted to work alongside the Scottish Refugee Council to continue this exciting and impactful partnership.
“We share the same values of creating a fairer world and together we want to create thriving and cohesive communities. This can only happen when we include everyone.”
Sabir Zazai, Chief Executive at Scottish Refugee Council, said: “Community leaders play such an important role in our society, building bridges and breaking down barriers. Initatives like this provide the opportunity to develop new skills, make new connections and build the welcoming future for refugees that we want to see.
“At such a precarious time for refugee rights in the UK, it is more important than ever before to harness and invest in the talents of our refugee leaders to change outcomes for others seeking sanctuary.”
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