A unique project which supports young Somali people in Burngreave with their school work has received glowing reports.
The IT-community school subject support project, based on Spital Lane, aims to support underachieving Somali children from Burngreave by providing tutored teaching sessions every evening after school.
Funded by just over £84,000 a year from Burngreave New Deal for Communities (BNDfC), the project has gone from strength-to-strength over recent years.
Mohamed Ali (13), who is in year 8 at Firvale School, said: "I have been attending the homework club since the day it started three years ago and since then I have increased to a level that I never believed could be possible for me. Coming from a county that does not speak English, it is very hard to fit in to a country that does but thanks to the people who have supported me I now have the chance to fulfill my dreams of becoming a doctor.
"The teachers at the project are very supportive and give their own spare time to help the students. I come nearly everyday and really enjoy it.
“My confidence has increased and my school has noticed a big difference too. Sometimes at school things can move so quickly so coming to the club means I have time to go back for checking. I want to say thank you to all those people who have supported the homework club for their help,” he added.
Mohamed's Mum, Sahra Jama was also full of praise. “I am very pleased Mohamed is involved in the project, I have seen a big difference in him and his grades have improved.”
Focussed towards Somali children, the project is now also developing further by opening up to other ethnic communities in the area to provide additional support for youngsters.
Project manager Mohamed Issa, said "The project has received excellent feedback from parents and the children who attend. We are also working very closely with the local primary and secondary schools so we can determine an individual child's needs and help to meet them together.
“Many of the children have experienced improving school results showing that the support we provide alongside the work of local schools is of huge benefit.”
Jon Cowley, BNDfC education theme manager, said: “It is fantastic to see the success of this project – BNDfC is delighted to support its very worthwhile work that is encouraging learning throughout Burngreave.”