Young K&C Member Spotlight October 2021: Eritrean Parent's and Children's Association

Watch the video (or read the text transcript) below to find out more about their organisation and what they do.

Text transcript

Can you tell us who EPCA are and how you support young people?

Hello. My name is Hawa and I’m the Headteacher of the Eritrean Parent’s and Children’s Association, EPCA Supplementary School. We’re based in the Ladbroke Grove area and have been around since the earlier nineties. Initially, EPCA was set up to meet the needs of the newly arrived Eritrean refugees in the RBKC area and the volunteers were there to help them access local services, integrate into the wider community.

Over the years, EPCA has evolved and is now a prominent organisation in the RBKC community and has many partnerships with local organisations, supplementary schools and Westway.

EPCA has many roles, but one of its main objectives is to provide educational support to local young people. And we also run sessions, activities, workshops that develop the mental and physical well-being of our young people. So we’re there to help them strive in their lives, in their education, in their social lives, in their careers. And we have something for all the young people whether it’s physical, mental, creative, educational, career-based. So come and find us and I’m sure we’ll have something there for you!

How does your work support and celebrate young people from diverse backgrounds?

We are inclusive of all cultures and open to everyone from all backgrounds. We host activities and social events to encourage young people to embrace and showcase their culture, heritage and celebrate diversity.

Additionally, we create a safe space where students can learn new skills, build their confidence, and create lifelong connections. as well as the core Arabic and Islamic stay lessons we also offer extracurricular activities such as the maths and science club, chess and boxing. Students also take part in the weekly assembly which helps them build their confidence and improve their research and presenting skills.

So many students are still in touch with each other and I, myself, used to be a student at the school. It means so much to give back to the school that gave so much to me.

Where can young people go to find out more and get involved?

EPCA works to support and celebrate young people from diverse backgrounds by creating a safe space where they can learn new skills, build confidence and create life-long connections.

For more information and how to get involved, follow us on Twitter @EPCASchool and our website is EPCA.org.uk