Art and culture project helping bring together Somali community celebrate first anniversary

A project that spans across the generation of Hammersmith and Fulham’s Somali community is about to celebrate its first successful year.

The Banooda Aid Foundation has been working with community elders and young people on a two-year project, which aims to get the two groups arts, culture and recreation.

The foundation, based in Lillie Road Fulham , has used traditional African dance and music, as well as drawing and painting and arts and crafts, as a way of getting the young and not so young to interact with one another.

Debates and discussions are also held to help break down the barriers that exist between the ages.

The foundation’s chairman Abdirahman Haidarow said: “This is a great idea because it brings generations together through a creative platform and reduces isolation and boredom.

“New friendships will be formed which will continue outside in the wider community. It is a flexible project which is exclusively managed by the beneficiaries and this also improves their self-esteem and respect.”

The project is currently working with some 40 people from the age of 14 upwards, and was made possible thanks to a £36,000 grant from the Health Lottery .

A recent Banooda Aid Foundation survey revealed elder members of the community are more confident in using computers and cameras cameras after attending, while 67% youngster said they had learned more about the arts and media that are relevant to their culture.

getwestlondon.co.uk