Somali Youth Development Resource Centre (SYDRC)
The Somali Youth Development Resource Centre (SYDRC) is a community-led organisation delivering a range of diverse activities and services for the Somali community in Camden. They support and celebrate the active participation of young people and the contributions they make to the organisation, the British Somali community in Camden and society.
SYDRC is committed to running flexible, responsive services from wellbeing, and family advice services for parents to youth drop-ins, trips, mentoring and educational workshops for young people. Their mission is to empower and inspire young Somali people to succeed and thrive.
We spoke to Abdiwahab Ali, SYDRC’s Director to find out about SYDRC’s recent achievements and their main goals.
What is one of your main goals?
“One of our main goals is to continue changing the narrative surrounding Somali young people. The community often faces negative stereotypes, and we are committed to reshaping perceptions by celebrating young people’s achievements.”
“Many of our awardees have successfully built careers in healthcare, business, law enforcement, and other sectors. They now serve as role models, demonstrating that Somali youth are integral to our society’s future.”
What initiatives or programmes are you most proud of?
“Our Award Ceremony, launched in 2001, serves as a powerful testament to the potential of Somali students. What began as a platform to celebrate academic excellence has evolved into a source of inspiration and motivation for our community.”
“This cherished tradition not only honours individual achievements but also fosters a culture of collective aspiration. The event highlights the educational progress of Somali students, with the GCSE pass rate rising to 64% for girls and 59% for boys, marking the highest improvement since our inception. This impact inspires us all to strive for even greater success.”
“This year, we celebrated the accomplishments of 42 Somali students who successfully passed their GCSEs. The top three performing students achieved outstanding results, including:
- 17 A** grades
- 3 A* grades
- 6 As
- 3 Bs
“The ceremony encourages students to pursue excellence, both academically and personally. Witnessing their peers’ success inspires younger students to aim high.”
“I didn’t know I had achieved so much until SYDRC acknowledged my hard work.”
Young person
“Seeing my child recognised on that stage filled me with pride and gave our family a sense of hope for the future.”
Parent
What is next on the horizon for the centre?
“We are focused on sustaining and expanding our programmes. With ongoing support, we aim to continue recognising student achievements, offering comprehensive services, and ensuring that every Somali child in Camden has the opportunity to succeed.”
“This work is vital for our community, and we invite others to join us in empowering the next generation.”
