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Anaka 16+

@anaka.education

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Anaka's 16+ programme
Read about our campaign for equal access to education in the Stranded Dreams report below 📎

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Every young refugee and asylum seeker has their own story when it comes to attempting to access education, but we see the same themes cropping up in every case.

Delays, language barriers, isolation.

We need targeted education provision for newcomer children and young people that recognises their unique needs and provides a clear, tailored pathway into learning.

🔗 Read the Stranded Dreams report, link in @anaka.education bio

* Names changed to retain anonymity by @anaka.education

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3 days ago

Some of our young people spoke with Robbie Meredith at the BBC about the challenges they've faced navigating the education system here.

We are so proud of Mona, Hossam, Hani, and Sara for their courage to speak out, not only for themselves, but for all young asylum seeker and refugees facing the same barriers.

Read more about our campaign for a targeted education programme in the Stranded Dreams report (link in bio via @anaka.education ) by @anaka.education

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3 days ago

Young people in Anaka 16+ continue to be excluded from our broken education system.

After we published our Stranded Dreams report last year, the NI Executive released its first ever 'Refugee Integration Strategy' - a hollow document with no commitments, no action, no strategy.

Since then we have watched as more young people age out of compulsory education. Nothing has changed, and if anything education provision for asylum seekers and refugees has gotten worse. With news of Belfast MET cutting ESOL enrolments for 2026-2027, we ask decision-makers to invest in this integration they speak of.

While young refugees and asylum seekers are denied access to the same education opportunities as everyone else, they are pushed further to the margins of society, and we all lose out on the incredible things they could accomplish.

📎Read our interview with BBC's Robbie Meredith in the link in our bio, and read more about our campaign for equal access to education on @anaka.education link in bio.

*Names changed to retain anonymity by @anaka.education

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4 days ago

We published ‘Stranded Dreams’, proposing equal access to education for young people over a year ago, and reminded the NI Executive in an open letter last month... and so far all we have seen are more cuts! Please support our young people who are bravely speaking up for their rights by following the link in bio to substack and reading about our 16+ Education Equality campaign! by @anaka.education

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4 days ago

Our 16+ group had an amazing evening exploring the colourful world of @beatcarnival 🎊🥁🎋

We had a chance to venture into their warehouse of parade floats, made some noise with @beatndrum samba band, and began workshopping some ideas for our very own 16+ banner! Thank you so much to the Beat family for having us along ❤️ #theartsareforeveryone by @anaka.education

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9 days ago

This Tuesday, the 16+ group had an amazing session with Friends of the Earth in the Grow community garden! 🪴making organic skincare products with leasha was loads of fun and our young people loved it🫶 @grafiantaherbal @grow.ni by @anaka.education

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a month ago

🏔️ Divis & Black Mountain (Dúbhais agus Sliabh Dubh) 🏔️

Yesterday our Anaka 16+ group headed into the Belfast Hills for a day of walking, learning and amazing views 🌿

We started the morning at Anam – Caifé na Carraige, enjoying a warm welcome before heading out with our friends at Glór na Móna to begin our journey through Divis and Black Mountain.

Along the way, we learned about the history of Divis and Black Mountain and heard about the efforts of local communities and campaigners, including Terry Enright, who worked hard to protect these hills and preserve this beautiful landscape for future generations. We also learned about the ongoing work to protect local wildlife and restore the natural environment. 🌳

One particularly special moment was spotting the large solidarity message created by our friends at Glór na Móna on Black Mountain in support of Anaka following the recent racist attacks. Seeing it from across the hills was a powerful reminder of the solidarity and friendship that surrounds our community. 💚

As we made our way across the mountain, we enjoyed incredible scenery and reached one of the highest points overlooking Belfast — with views that made every step worth it. 🌆✨

A brilliant day full of nature, history, friendship and fresh air. Thank you to Glór na Móna for sharing their knowledge, their stories, and their continued solidarity. 💚

Go raibh míle maith agaibh, a chairde ag Glór na Móna, as bhur gcuid eolais, bhur scéalta agus bhur ndlúthpháirtíocht leanúnach. 💚 by @anaka.education

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3 months ago

Today the young people from our 16+ group visited Stormont for an incredible day of learning! 🏛️✨

We discovered how the building is maintained and admired its striking symmetrical architecture, a real testament to the craftsmanship behind it. We visited the two chambers used by the different parties, learning about their history and the meaning behind specific design choices — including the beautiful use of linen throughout, a nod to Belfast’s history as the world’s leading linen manufacturer! 🧵

We also got a fascinating insight into how decisions are made, taking part in a mock vote to see the process up close. We walked through the Aye chamber and saw exactly how votes are registered, giving our young people a real understanding of democracy in action.

A brilliant day of history, architecture, and hands-on learning about how decisions that shape our communities are made! 🗳️💙 taken in Stormont, Parliament Buildings by @anaka.education

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4 months ago

Forgot icebreakers- just skate on the ice 🧊⛸️!
What a way to kickstart our junior 16+ group. Today we had an amazing time ice skating with 20 young people — lots of laughs, new friendships, a few wobbly moments 😄, and plenty of “try again” moments!
We wanted this trip to be a fresh start for everyone because we know how scary it can feel joining a new group where people already know each other. It was lovely seeing everyone connecting, supporting each other, and welcoming new members from Ubuntu Hub, Barnardo’s and Belfast Met ❤️
Thank you all for making today so special — we can’t wait for what’s next! by @anaka.education

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4 months ago

Today, we were proud to be part of the Refugee & Asylum Forum Gathering, organised by the Law Centre NI at Girdwood Community Hub.

The gathering was an important space for organisations, communities, and individuals working with refugees and asylum seekers to come together, reflect on the realities people are facing, and strengthen collective action. It highlighted the incredible work being done by communities and grassroots organisations to support people, while also reminding us of the need for governments, states, and international institutions to take responsibility, uphold people’s rights, and ensure that the systems in place provide the protection, dignity, and support that refugees and asylum seekers deserve.

We were proud to have strong representation from Anaka, Kind Economy, 16+, and Dar. Areeg represented Anaka as part of the panel discussion, sharing Anaka’s work and reflections on the current challenges facing refugee and asylum-seeking communities in a powerful contribution.

The day also celebrated culture and connection, with Salwa from Anaka Art leading a beautiful Arabic calligraphy activity and Naim from 16+ delivering an amazing Palestinian Dabke workshop, with over 25 people taking part and joining together through music and dance.

Kind Economy/Anaka was proud to support the day, with Loubna preparing the desserts and Rasha supporting by serving the lunch.

Thank you to the Law Centre NI @lawcentreni_ for organising such a meaningful gathering and creating a space for connection, solidarity, and continued advocacy. 💛 by @anaka.education

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4 months ago

A Great Start with Friends of the Earth

This Tuesday, our Anaka 16+ group had their first session with Friends of the Earth! Colleen joined us with amazing energy as we got to know each other and learned more about their organisation, their values, and the important work they do.
As the first of four sessions, we explored what’s coming next, including residentials, trips, and opportunities to connect, learn and spend time together.
We’re excited to continue this journey, learn more about environmental campaigns, their work around Lough Neagh, and the amazing ways they work with communities and young people. 💚 by @anaka.education

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4 months ago

On 12th June , we were honoured to attend the Do No Harm Campaign gathering in London, representing Anaka & PPR.

It was a valuable space for connection, reflection, and solidarity. We really appreciated learning more about this important campaign and the powerful concept behind it — creating safer and more thoughtful ways of working with communities.

We believe there is a lot of potential in bringing these ideas into the work we do and continuing to build awareness through our programmes and partnerships.

Thank you to everyone involved for creating such an inspiring space.
And thank you to Migrants Organise for bringing people together and for creating space for these discussions.

#DoNoHarm #Solidarity by @anaka.education

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4 months ago