The Yemeni Economic and Training Centre (YETC), on Attercliffe Common, has been awarded Beacon Status by the Home Office.
The Centre, part-funded by Burngreave New Deal for Communities (BNDfC), is the first organisation in South Yorkshire to achieve this honour, and the only ethnic minority organisation nationally.
Established in 1992, the YETC was created by the Yemeni Community Association (YCA) to advance vocational training and community enterprise for people from black and minority ethnic communities.
A project for asylum seekers and refugees, enabling them to access IT and basic skills courses, with a strong emphasis on promoting integration through linking with other organisations that offer services.
The Beacon Status award means a 5-star rating for the information, advice and guidance that the centre gives to its clients. The Beacon Status Report stated that it excelled in all indicators, were highly effective, exceeded original targets and had significant user involvement.
Abdul Shaif, Chairperson of YETC, said: "It's a fantastic achievement for the Yemeni Economic and Training Centre. It demonstrates we are meeting new challenges.
“We appreciate the contribution of our funders including the Home Office, BNDfC, Sheffield College and European Funding. We are especially grateful to the staff at the centre who have been magnificent.”
The YETC provides a range of services including:
Family Support
A carers' project
Entry level qualifications in IT and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
NVQs at level 1,2 and 3 in Administration and IT
IT Technical Support to community groups and organisations in Objective 1 Priority 4a (Supporting Community Economic Development) areas.
As well as the capacity building of the YCA itself, BNDfC has contributed to several YCA projects and services including the YET Centre, Study Support for Young People and the Halal Lunch Club.