On October 19, 2024, the SSAW organisation proudly hosted the final event of the Linguistics and Digital Training Course Project in Presso la Sala Buozzi della Camera del Lavoro di Milano (corso di Porta Vittoria, 43) – Milano, a transformative initiative aimed at equipping refugees and asylum seekers with English, Italian and digital skills. 

This project marked a significant milestone in SSAW organisation’s mission to empower refugees and asylum seekers from diverse backgrounds, offering them tools to thrive in a new cultural and professional landscape. 

The concluding event brought together students, instructors, speakers, and participants to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the program’s graduates. The event opened with a warm welcome from our Project Lead Mis, Alaya Musa, who shared reflections on the journey from initial planning to the success we celebrated together.

Keynote Speakers:

The event featured a thought provoking keynote address from many speakers covering different topics. 

Speakers such as Ashraf Al-Khayr, who is SSAW organisation volunteer moderated the event, Rahel Sereke who is vice president of CODIASLO opened the official greeting, Khalid Abaker and Saber Juma who are co-founder of the SSAW organisation spoke about the objectives, mission, vision, and structure of the SSAW organisation, Giorgia Maria Bagna and Antonia Cascone who are the integration associate of UNHCR and Project Manager of INTERSOS respectively spoke about the action for the protection and participation of refugees, Alya Musa who is the SSAW co-founder spoke about the LDTC goals and objectives, Almonzer Ahmed who is the representative of the Sudanese community in italy provided his perspectives on integration and future challenges in italy, Mohamed Mustafa Alkider who is the SSAW volunteer spoke about the silent war in sudan, Husham Ramadan Jabbara Idris who is the country director of the Blue Sky organisation spoke about the achievements and objectives of the blue sky organisation in helping IDPs in Sudan, and Andrea Dominici who is the director regional Office for Emergencies INTERSOS Organizzazione spoke about the humanitarian situation in sudan. We are grateful to have such talented and committed speakers. 

They all praised the accomplishments of our graduates, pointing out the power of digital skills to open doors, foster independence, and amplify voices for refugees and asylum seekers. They also encouraged our graduates to continue building on their new skills as they navigate new opportunities and challenges.

Certificates award to the graduates:

The course achievements were symbolised by the presentation of certificates, celebrating the resilience and commitment of each graduate. Receiving their certificates amidst applause, graduates expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support, encouragement, and practical guidance they received throughout the course.

They shared personal stories of how this training has impacted their lives, allowing them to explore digital tools, gain confidence in communication, and build essential skills for the future. Each graduate brought unique perspectives, reflecting on how linguistic training combined with digital literacy has transformed their ability to engage in their new community, seek employment, and pursue further education.

Networking for the Future:

The event concluded with a networking session where graduates, instructors, attendees, SSAW organisation volunteers and co-founders had the opportunity to exchange ideas, share contact information, and discuss potential collaborations. This was an invaluable chance for graduates to begin connecting their newly acquired skills with real world opportunities in their local communities and beyond.

Impact and Vision:

The Linguistics and Digital Training Course Project was specifically designed to meet the needs of refugees and asylum seekers by focusing on accessible, practical learning. 

Over the course of the program, students acquired essential digital skills and improved their linguistic abilities especially English and Italian, empowering them to participate fully in the social, academic, and professional spheres of their new environments.

From mastering digital tools to enhancing their language proficiency, each student has gained skills that will support them in building a more secure and independent future. The course fostered not only practical learning but also a sense of belonging and community, a vital component of adjusting to life in a new country.

Looking Ahead:

As we conclude this event,  we are excited about the journeys that lie ahead for each graduate. The SSAW organisation  remains committed to supporting refugees and asylum seekers in accessing the tools they need to reach their full potential. We look forward to expanding similar programs and exploring additional ways to support these communities in developing skills for a brighter future.

The final event was a celebration of learning, resilience, and community. We extend our deepest gratitude to the students, instructors, UNHCR italia and INTERSOS, SSAW organisation volunteers and Mis Alaya Musa and everyone who played a role in making this project a success. Together, we have created something meaningful, and we eagerly await the positive impact our graduates will have in their communities and beyond.