Somalis in the UK: Our Everyday Heroes

This video showcases the professional contributions of British Somalis in media, education, health, local politics, and social services.

The first Somalis to arrive in Britain were economic migrants in 19th Century. Merchant seamen settled in cities including Cardiff, Liverpool, and London.

Funded by the People's Post Code Lottery.

My name is Amal Ahmed,
I work as a TV producer.

My name's Omar Deria,
I'm a head teacher.

- My name's Mariam.

I work for Evolve
as a liberal practitioner.

- My name is Awale Olad.

I'm a local counsellor in
the London Borough of Camden.

- My name is Dr. Mohamed Abdi.

I'm a GP working in South London.

[inquisitive piano music]

- I was at the Guardian.

It was the time where piracy...the
Somali piracy broke actually in Somalia.

And as I remember, I was the only
Somali person

at the whole organization.

Though I was completely in
a different department, it was in IT,

I felt like I had a burning passion
to tell the story of the community here

in UK, and what they feel about what

they've been seeing in the news
all the time.

-There's almost half a million Somalis in the UK

and that's still growing, and it's critical that

people of African descent, in particular,

have somewhere they can call a home.

And if we have a place we can call a home

it means that we have to be able to decide
what happens to our local area.

I feel that anybody from
every walk of life can be susceptible

and is exposed to exploitation.

It doesn't matter your socio-economic
background, your religion,

your faith, your location –

It's something that's prevalent
in many communities.

And I feel that my work is prevalent
in supporting young people

and decreasing the risk of exploitation

and in theory, creating a safer world.

I've always loved education. I've always
loved supporting and helping children.

I was told when I was a kid
that I wasn't bright enough...

to go to university, so I should
get a job in a warehouse.

- Having come here as a Somali
refugee to the UK,

that I had to learn the language, we
had to learn the culture,

we had to integrate.

I had to go through the struggle through
high school, A levels, being told that

you can't make it as a doctor.

- I made a promise that when
I become a teacher,

I will accept the positive influence
on children

which I didn't get
when I was in school.

- To me, it's always been a dream of mine
to be a healthcare professional.

Especially coming from a culture
where helping a community,

helping a society is so important.

I decided that I really wanted to be a doctor.

I want to give back to the community.

[piano fades into soft synth music]

- From my experience,

a lot of people don't actually
understand the Somali community.

They don't understand our needs.

I got into this role because it
was critical

that people like me, and
the family I come from,

and the community I come from,

have a voice, locally.

And having someone like me in a room
where ideas and policies can be ...

discussed, which means that a different perspective
comes along.

- I know my cultures and I know my people,

And I know what's happening; it was so
interesting to see

what does the Somali community
here in UK feel about

how the news is portraiting
their own country?

Especially for the young generations
who're trying to find their identity,

they're trying to find who they are.

They feel they're British, but at the same
times, you know, they're Somali,

and they're embarrassed being Somali
because of what's happening in the news.

- As a Somali person, I thought I think
representation is important

in merging the gap.

In Somali culture, there is a lot
of taboo and shame

with regards to being in care, or social
services, exploitation, gangs,

and I feel like there needs to be more Somalis
involved in social services and exploitation

to help bridge the gap
and help those who are in need.

- As a Somali head teacher, I really feel
that I'm a- I'm a role model

for - for the younger generation.

I speak to parents, I speak to children,

I often engage in dialogue with parents

and I give them the information they need
in Somali, which is extremely important

for their...for their wellbeing.

- You know, I'm very fortunate. Every day,
when I go to work,

I meet people from different communities,
especially my community,

the Somali community, because
having worked as a doctor for many years,

I've seen that, often, people from the
Somali community don't get the same care.

And it's because of language barriers.
Stigma.

We need doctors from all communities to
give back to the communities

that we serve.

- I believe it's so important to tell
your own stories.

To be that access gate to your community

where you will be the voice
of your people.

In every story, there is two sides,

and that is why we're gonna
bring the link

between you and the other communities,
people will understand you more

and they will know exactly
what's happening.

[soft piano music]

- It's really...really an interesting,
challenging, intriguing role,

being a local counsellor.

You try and transform the counsel
from being a closed-off body

to one that actually wants to listen
and learn and become a better place

and become a...
a positive place for local people.

And I think it's very important to be part of the change that you want to see in the world

and be involved from the inside,

and sit at the table to make decisions.

- Teachers play a crucial role in
developing the next generation.

If you believe in children, and you
nurture them the right way,

the sky's the limit for them.

- Growing up here, and
contributing to the society,

to tell the people, you know, I'm more
than what you see on TV.

As a Somali person, there is more into us,

you just need to give us a chance
and - and listen.

[soft piano music]