A young entrepreneur from Syria is transforming lives in Greater Manchester through digital literacy.
- Alaa Alsewid launched Social By Design to bridge digital skill gaps in refugee communities.
- Her initiative offers workshops and creates a supportive digital platform in multiple languages.
- Alsewid was inspired by the challenges faced by refugees, including scams and digital isolation.
- Backed by Funding Futures Programme, her efforts aim to improve employment prospects and social integration.
Alaa Alsewid, a young entrepreneur originally from Syria, has embarked on a mission to enhance digital literacy among refugee communities in Greater Manchester through her venture, Social By Design. Drawing from her own journey of adaptation upon arriving in the UK, she seeks to bridge the digital gap that many refugees face. This initiative is particularly pertinent as digital skills are increasingly essential for accessing services and improving quality of life.
Social By Design is an innovative project that provides workshops, one-on-one support, and a digital community platform. Available in Arabic, Spanish, and English, these resources aim to help refugees and asylum seekers navigate technology. By doing so, they are better equipped to access support services, enhance their employment opportunities, build connections, and protect themselves against scams and fraud.
Alsewid’s motivation stemmed from witnessing the struggles of Syrian migrants who fell victim to online scams. The stories of individuals being threatened with deportation, coupled with a lack of language and digital skills, highlighted a dire need. ‘It really upset me that the most vulnerable communities were being targeted.’ Alsewid stated, recognising the pressing requirement for such educational interventions.
The challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers in Salford and surrounding areas are significant. Limited digital literacy restricts access to crucial support and health services, hampering employment searches and increasing social isolation. ‘These skills will change their quality of life.’ Alsewid emphasised, acknowledging the transformative potential of digital literacy for community integration.
Alsewid’s project gained significant momentum after receiving £8,000 in funding from the Funding Futures Programme. This initiative, developed by Unltd in collaboration with Co-op Foundation and Phoenix Group, aims to support young social entrepreneurs. Alsewid expressed gratitude for the critical support, noting how it enabled her to focus on her project’s development without the burden of full-time employment.
Mark Norbury, CEO of UnLtd, and Nick Crofts, CEO of the Co-op Foundation, both expressed support and optimism for the programme’s impact. Norbury highlighted the creativity and vision of young entrepreneurs like Alsewid, who are addressing societal challenges with empathy and innovation. Crofts reaffirmed the Co-op Foundation’s commitment to empowering young leaders to drive meaningful change in their communities.
Alaa Alsewid’s initiative exemplifies the power of digital education in transforming refugee lives, fostering integration and empowerment.
