Bradford Refugee Forum – constitution

Please see the link below to download the “Traing Needs Assessment” form.

TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR BRF 2010

For the first time, in history, Bradford women assembled on 17^th March, 2010 in a large number and with one accord to put their heads together to see how they could  improve their lives.  Almost 60 women attended this gathering from different voluntary organizations working with women in the whole Bradford district.  Women came from Keighley, Bingley, Shipley, Bradford City and  even Halifax.

The meeting started with registration while women mingled around the Blue Hall in Kala Sangaam, St. Peters House as they enjoyed a cup of coffee or  tea.  Within minutes, the hall was almost full.  Jane Gregory began by welcoming the delegates and explained the house keeping issues.  In her remarks, she explained that in her work as busy as she was, always, she met a lady called Beatrice Botomani from Malawi at Frontline Women’s Club which meets every Thursday.  She stated that when she met this lady, she noticed that this lady, Beatrice, had bright ideas which attracted her to back her up.  Despite, her busy schedules, she thought it was worthwhile to  spend time to listen to her ideas and talk over them.  Later on, she said, Beatrice, came up with a proposal paper which she couldn’t just leave but to support it fully.  She stated that the proposal carried vital points and concerns about women which needed to be addressed collectively.  Jane Gregory, then invited Beatrice Botomani to come and address the assembly.

Beatrice, began, by thanking the women for answering her call to come to this meeting and that their attendance and participation was very vital.

In her speech, she stated as follows…..”Years have passed, months have gone, days and nights have flown over us and a lot of things have been happening, some groups of people have benefited and some groups have gone through hard experiences.  This has been so, because in some quarters other groups have enjoyed to exert so much power on  other groups in order to lender them powerless, helpless and to continue to be victims no matter where they go or they are and no matter what they do or say.  On the other hand, it has been through lack of knowledge or support or unity on the victimized groups.

Of late, in Bradford, just like other cities, different groups of people, with common interests, needs, beliefs, may be of the same ethnicity and nationality have been coming together and forming organizations.  The aims and objectives of such groups are to protect the rights, interests and improve lives of the individuals, morally, spiritually, mentally and physically.  This on its own is a positive move in terms of development but on the other side it is a sign that people’s lives and needs are not fully protected and fulfilled somewhere and somehow.  It proves that there are some groups who are insecure or undergoing problems and struggles or things are not going right on their part.  One such groups is the women.  Yes, voluntary organizations have been formed, scattered all over Bradford like small stones. For instance, Bradford has 122 voluntary organizations dealing with women issues but where are they, who takes note of their existence and how many women takes advantage of their existence, are they able to fulfill their objectives, do they collaborate with each other, how far can they go, how influential are they in terms policies concerning women?.  Like small stones scattered on the ground, everyone just tramples over them, pushes them aside, and some picks them up and use them to fulfill their goals. In essence,  a woman’s voice has been swallowed up, she has been given a platform under a shade with her mouth shut and her eyes closed.  Yes the legal side has said so much and many promises to protect the plight of a woman and to give them a chance to excel in life and to be protected in every way.  Yes, we are celebrating 100 years of International Women’s Day, how has this day made an impact to a woman’s life in Bradford, UK as a nation and of course, the world at large?  Have the aims of this day been met?  Is a woman being recognized as a vital resource in our homes, community district?  Is a woman poverty free, violence free, in control of the economy and her own life?  We need to start thinking about these issues practically.  We need to look around and ask ourselves, where are we?  What are we doing?  What is happening?  If there is need for change, what should we do?  When do we want that change? Who should do effect the change?

For a Beatrice’s full speech, please follow this link

Her speech was followed up by speeches from different existing women organizations.  In their speeches, they informed the august house about their objectives, activities, progress and experiences as well as what they envisaged to carry out in the near future and their long term plans.  Almost every speaker appreciated the ups and downs they have gone through which made the progresses somehow daunting.  Some of these being shortage of time, human and financial resources and cooperate efforts.  It was appreciated that a day like this had come at the right time to see if women themselves could map out their own strategies on how they could work together in order to have an impact.  The speakers were Ann Griffin, President of Bradford Women’s Forum; Sandra Howard, President of Soroptimist International (representing the Business Sector);  Sally Deane, President of Violence Against Women and Paula Helliwell from Community Learning Champion who spoke about the importance of informal learning for adult learners.

Later on, the women went into group discussions to discuss the proposed paper.  In their discussions, they were answering questions:  Do we really need an organization which would unite all voluntary organizations working with women in  Bradford?  What would be its vision?  What about its objectives?  And what would it be called?  At the end of these discussions, the following resolutions came out:

• They agreed that the issues raised in Beatrice’s paper were their concerns as women e.g. isolation, poverty, rape, sexual and domestic violence, health, immigration and detention, lack of participation or representation in decision and policy making positions.
• They agreed that an organization to coordinate these issues was necessary.
• They agreed that women in Bradford needed a collective voice.
• They suggested that all the 122 voluntary organizations in Bradford needed to have a representation in such a forum.
• They agreed that Bradford Women’s Forum should take aboard these issues as they already had an infrastructure in place.  It was stressed, that it was very important to come up with a strategic plan.
• VISION:  To bring a diverse sector of voluntary women organizations to speak one voice.
• OBJECTIVES:  To coordinate all women organizations in Bradford in terms of bringing them together to share experiences; To enable all voluntary women organizations in Bradford to network, to appreciate each others’s work, share experiences, skills, responsibilities and learn from each other; To enable the voluntary women organizations to network with other organizations, bodies and service providers within Bradford, regionally, nationally and internationally; To collect and disseminate information in order to keep the organizations and the public at large informed of activities being carried out; To coordinate campaigns in order to influence some policies and some change in particular areas of concern; To build the capacities of women in Bradford in different areas such as IT skills, Leadership skills, Political Aspirants’ skills, Business skills, etc.
  • Suggested Names:  These are not conclusive but two groups suggested that the desired organization would be called Bradford Women’s Federation; or Bradford Women Together.  This is subject to further consultation since the whole responsibility was put on Bradford Women’s Forum.

The meeting ended with a very delicious meal prepared by May. 

I, personally, (Beatrice) , and as many women appreciated, the meeting was a success and the discussions were mind blowing.  Congratulations Bradford Women for uniting all women regardless of their race, colour, religion, culture, ethnicity, sexism, language, belief, immigration status, education levels, income levels and otherwise.

May I begin this article by thanking the Lord Mayor of Bradford City, Councillor John D Godward and Lady Mayoress, Mrs Jean Godward for launching the Bradford Refugee Forum website on Monday, 29 March 2010.

Now that we have a website, there are a few worrying issues about the Bradford Refugee Forum [BRF] which I feel we need to address as members of the Bradford refugee community. The BRF, although formed in 2005, is virtually unknown to refugees, asylum seekers and the destitute because it has no office, office staff and No equipment. Although there is a lot of support accessed by other Refugee Forums in West Yorkshire our BRF does not have the knowledge and machinery in place to source support from institutions that have been formalised by the state and from the humanitarian community.

Is it not sad that we claim to represent refugees in the Bradford area, yet we do not even know how many there are, how to reach them, let alone how to help them. It is organisations that are supposed to be affiliated to us that have the numbers, assistance schemes and results. It is these organisations refugees go to because they help them with food, clothes, accommodation and legal advice and support.

May I appeal to the present leaders of the BRF to either come up with strategies to assist refugees or step down from office because there is a lot of talent in the refugee community that is being frustrated by people that seem to have the mentality of Third World politicians that hang on to power at the expense of their nations.

When the UKBA refuses to recognise the talents our members have, is it not our duty to help prove to the UKBA that these refugees are and will be useful to Bradford. Do you know that despite the hardships refugees and asylum seekers have faced here, they have nonetheless been asserts rather than liabilities in the Bradford community. The NHS and Care Agencies, cleaning and security companies and even some farms would not be operating were it not for the support of the refugee community. But I am not talking about these popularly debated contributions and their pros and cons. I am talking of silent contributions made by these people to the clothing and food industries and to the motor trade sector. Every Sunday Bradford churches are packed with neatly dressed refugees driving from half-moving to some of the latest vehicles in Bradford. The money transfer shops at nearly every corner of Bradford rely on refugee support. Half our refugee girls talk on the phone half their lives, so the cell phone and top up companies need refugee as well. All this is money contributed to Bradford by people not allowed to work! Finally there is the Hair pleating industry. The best hair platters are refugees and they have inexhaustible ideas. My friends Bradford would not be the same without refugees!

But refugee contributions to Bradford would be much more pronounced if BRF helped identify talents among refugees and helped place it where it is critically needed. While there are economists, engineers, teachers, nurses and doctors among refugee, theses are not the hidden talents I needs identified, I am talking of men with surviving skills. I talked to many refugees about what they are capable of and I chose these three to show you the unbelievable talent in the Bradford refugee community.

The first is Alexander Chipatiko. Although Alexander was never sent to school by his parents due to poverty and other reasons, Alexander somehow learned to drive. By the time he sought asylum Alexander could drive every type of motor vehicle from car to lorry, truck to bus. As Alexander drove trucks throughout Sub-Saharan Africa he studied all the major languages of the whole region. Today he speaks Zulu, Ndebele, Shona, Chewa, Nyanja and some Swahili. Incredible talent. When he got status he learned to drive the forklift. Before he got status, he joined the UK branch of the Zimbabwean MDC and reached the position of membership in the top executive. He formed the Bradford branch of the MDC and is now also vice chairman of the Zimbabwe Association in Bradford. He learned to play the guitar and the organ and leads the Zimbabwe choir. He is the leader of the Forward in Faith in Bradford He has also done training in care, security, photography and is currently studying English. This man and all his talent have not found a permanent job since he got status and we have done nothing to help him.

Another refugee of outstanding ability is Cathrine Ndiwenyu. Because I need to keep this article short I will not describe the heroic achievement Cathrine made in her native country of Kenya before meeting and marrying David of Uganda. Cathrine is true example of determination. Cathrine and David escaped the problems of the region and claimed asylum in year 2000. Although well educated and had got status in 2003 Cathrine could not get a job in the Leeds/Bradford area. She learned had to plat hair and to do care work. At the same time she went to College to learn to use the Internet, mathematics and business skills. She knew what she wanted, she had the talent but nobody knew her and could help her. Determined to demonstrate what she could do she started a cosmetic business with almost no money. Because no one could give her a reference she could not get support from the banks. On more than one occasions in Leeds she was forced to close. But people of the calibre of Catherine do not give up easily. She moved to Bradford where she set up the Beauty Station. Today the beauty Station in one of the few very successful refugee shops in West Yorkshire. She sells nearly all types of beauty products needed by women. She orders them from United States, Brazil, South Africa, China, Germany-everywhere. She sells on the Internet to the whole world. Yet she is still doing women’s hair, doing care work and nursing. She has recently registered to do a business degree at the Bradford University. She is an example of true talent. If her route had been shortened, she could be right now way ahead, giving more services to people of Bradford and employing more people.

Finally, the story of hidden talents cannot be completed without describing the life of Beatrice Botomani. In fact the women’s’ movement in Bradford and surrounding areas would not be the same if Beatrice had not been sent here by UKBA. She works tirelessly, organising women rights meetings especially through The Outcry Campaign. She has brought women from all walks of life to speak with one voice. She is also active in BIASAN, BRF, City Santuary and New Community Music Development. Throughout the day she is using the Internet to reach as many women as she can teaching them of their rights and how to stand for these rights. She has been detained and forced to stay in the detention centres for indefinite period but she has never looked back about who she is and what her rights are. She has made her teenage children that have been traumatised with her to speak out. Her 14 year old son has written a book about his life in detention. Perhaps her determination is built on a foundation of faith in God. She has a leadership role in the Christ Embassies Church. Through this Church she has turned round the lives of many refugees. Beatrice is a law student.

I could go on citing more examples of talented refugees who could do much more for Bradford if we all supported them and I know you have your own examples. What we need is a system to support all this world of silent talent within the refugee community. Let us make the BRF work.

My Lord Mayor Councillor John D Godward and Mrs Jean Godward, invited guests, ladies and gentlemen

Now that the snow is behind us and the beautiful sunshine is around us again, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the launch of our website.  Today we take a giant step in building our communication linkages necessary to ensure the refugee community receives wanted information at the right place and time.  Yes, this is a short term win representing probably a small investment; but the potential returns and benefits to refugees, migrants and asylum seekers as well as the wider community, will become significant and are well worth celebrating.  We are excited by this development and thank all those involved in making it happen.  On that note, let me take this opportunity to quickly introduce members of the BRF. In the interest of time I will ask them all to stand up.  Shall we give them a round of applause please?

Just so we are all in the picture of what this event is all about, let me say a few words about the Bradford Refugee Forum.  The Forum is nearly 5 years old now having been established 11 August 2005.  It is a voluntary community organisation with a growing membership base now standing at 18 refugee community organisations.  Our overarching goal is to support the empowerment of refugee community through capacity building, partnership working and effective information sharing.  We seek to build a strong refugee voice and brand name in Bradford and we desire to do so working collaboratively with both statutory and non-statutory agencies.  We are under no illusion about the difficulties and challenges lying ahead.  However we are equally determined to make a difference to the refugee community and fervently believe it is possible for new communities to integrate with the local community and in the process to achieve social integration and community cohesion.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it now gives me great pleasure to introduce to you our guest of honour today; My Lord Mayor Councillor John D Godward and his wife Mrs Jean Godward.

Councillor John Godward and his wife Jean were born in Bradford and have lived all their lives here.  John Godward is a graduate of Bradford College with a BA degree and Diploma in Higher Education and Jean Godward has a Bachelor of Education degree and Diploma in Professional Studies in Education.

John Godward left Princeville Secondary school at the age of 15 and first worked in the offices of Robt Jowitt and Sons, a wool firm, as a clerk.   He left at 16 to study for his GCEs and then went to work for Dewhurst Ltd the retail butchers which had 27 shops where he became Chief Clerk for the Bradford District at the age of 21.

Councillor John Godward retired from full-time employment as Chief Officer of Airedale Community Health Council in December 2003 after 23 years service and previously held positions with the Church of England Children’s Society, British Leprosy Relief Association, Help the Aged and the British Epilepsy Association where he was Education Officer for the North of England.

He was first elected to Bradford Council on 1 May 1980 for the Great Horton Ward and has held the seat continuously since then.

During his political career he has twice been Chair of Social Services and been Chair of the Schools (Special) Sub-Committee and also Chair of the Services to Children Sub-Committee for 9 years.   He was the first Portfolio Holder for Health and Social Care and served on the Council’s Executive Committee.

Recently, he has served on the Health Improvement Committee, Bradford South Area Committee and the Corporate Parenting Panel.  He has served on the West Yorkshire Fire Authority, and is a member of the Bradford South Local Management Trust (Part of the Incommunities Group).

Councillor John Godward has been a Member of the Labour Party for 42 years.  He is a retired member of UNISON.

Mrs Jean Godward, the Lady Mayoress, has been married to Councillor Godward for 35 years. They met and married at St Columba with St Andrew’s Church, Horton, where Jean was a member of the Choir and John was Churchwarden.  They now attend St Chad’s Toller Lane.   The Church is an important part of their lives.

Mrs Jean Godward was educated at Thornton Grammar School, Leeds Polytechnic and Bradford College and then taught in Bradford Special Schools.  She was Deputy Head Teacher of Roundthorn School and then became Headteacher of Wedgwood School for 10 years, retiring in 2006.

Ladies and Gentlemen:, My Lord Mayor.

Duncan Wahuho