Elhassan Ahmed from Sudan

Elhassan Ahmed is a refugee doctor who escaped from his native Sudan after repeated detention and beatings prompted by his support for Beja minority rights. With the help of Praxis he has got a part-time job as a hotel receptionist and is studying with a view to practicing as a doctor in the UK.

‘When I came here Praxis gave me good information and got me the funds to do some courses. I feel a lot more confident and I’ve gone a long way towards integrating myself in London. I have my own mentor, Simon, and we meet every week and do many things together.’

Hanah Abdullahi from Somalia

Hannah is a volunteer receptionist at Praxis.

‘I want to be a social worker because I was fostered myself when I came to the UK and I want to help others. Through Praxis I did a short course, English for Care, and got a certificate to help me along. If you keep yourself to yourself in London then life can be difficult but if you mix with people like me at Praxis then you can feel at home.’

John Mugenzi

John says his prospects were ‘revived’ through Praxis.

‘After arriving in the UK as a refugee my life was a mess – confused, traumatized, no friends or relatives. From the moral support I received at Praxis, I started to think about my dreams and to realize them step by step.’

Consuelo Flores from Columbia

Consuelo first visited Praxis to get advice on her husband’s asylum case. That advice helped him secure refugee status. Since then, English and computer courses at Praxis have helped Consuelo to get a job and she takes her children there for weekly Spanish lessons.

Zaynab Abdulla Mahmood from Northern Iraq

Zaynab is a mechanical engineer who came to Britain as a refugee from Northern Iraq in 2000.

‘When I first arrived in London it was so difficult to find accommodation and a job, even to find voluntary work. My friend introduced me to Praxis and they offered me voluntary work and support straightaway.’