Alongside our primary focus on supporting Syrian refugees into education and employment, Syrian Futures also delivers a number of other projects and initiatvies aimed at improving personal and communication skills, sharing and celebrating Syrian culture and improving awareness of the needs of UK Syrians in the public and third sectors.
Much of our community-orientated work is driven by Syrian communities themselves, offering participants the opportunity to conceive and deliver projects, provinding a sense of value and responsibility. We aim to work closely with students and colleagues across the University of Edinburgh and reach out to schools and other organisations to help support Syrian refugees to tackle loneliness, raise confidence and build self-esteem.
For up-to-date information on the many projects we deliver with our partenrs, please consider following us on either Facebook or Instagram.
Projects and Initiatives
Translation and Interpreting Service
In spring 2020, Syrian Futures launched its Tranlsation and Interpreting service, an independent voluntary service providing easy access to essential translation and interpreting appointments for the Syrian community in Edinburgh and beyond. The project caters for appointments at essential times such as medical appointments, job centre meetings, school meetings with teachers, opening a new bank account etc. Although local authorities do offer interpreting services, there is a chronic shortage meaning that many Syrians miss vital appointments or rely on their children or friends to help with complicated meetings and conversations.
The Syrian Futures Interpreting and Translation Serivce was initiated in collaboration with Arabic language students at the University of Edinburgh. Students who volunteer to offer their language skills gain a unique opportunity to practice their Arabic whilst also providing an essential service to their local community.
Requesting an interpreter simply involves sending a message to the Syrian Futures Facebook inbox with a minimum of two days’ notice with details of the appointment. Then a member of the Syrian Futures team will organize for an interpreter to attend the appointment if possible.
Befriending Scheme
The Syrian Futures Befriending Scheme launched in 2019 as a response to the need for greater English language/social support for the Syrian community in Edinburgh. It is a voluntary programme organised by the Syrian Futures project, in collaboration with Students Action for Refugees and Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, pairing Arabic students at the university with local Syrians of all ages. The scheme helps Syrian refugees to adjust to their new home by improving their language, social skills and self-esteem through building healthy and lasting friendships. The scheme also provides students of Arabic at the University of Edinburgh with a unique opportunity to practice their conversational Arabic and learn more about Arab life and culture.
Events and Workshops
Syrian Futures offers opportunities for Syrians to co-create events and attend workshops which help develop skills and confidence and build community links Since 2019, Syrian Futures has orgnaised art workshops and exhibitions, fundraising events showcasing Syrian food and art as well as cultural trips to museums and universities across Scotland.