My visit to Equal Education Chances (EEC) was eye-opening. EEC engages, educates and empowers young people and individuals living with disabilities in both England and Nigeria. Because of their work with families experiencing precarious immigration status, they are also a valued MDF referral partner.
Although the building was hard to find and they work in a small room, I was amazed by the impactful work they do in a smart and efficient way. The staff are wonderful people who made me feel like a friend, not a stranger. Mary's compassion and kindness stood out, and she was warmly welcoming to everyone. On the day I visited, it was an MDF day, and I had the opportunity to meet many people, including service users and clients. We discussed current issues and their struggles with poverty. Our conversations revealed that poverty goes beyond just financial support - their stories highlighted how many people also struggle with mental health and well-being. It was eye-opening to hear about the challenges they face, including accessing basic healthcare due to NHS fee.
“Please continue the support we rely on. The money from MDF is often all we have to make it through each month.”
Beyond MDF, EEC offer incredible opportunities for migrant students to gain valuable work experience and placements, while also providing engaging education and activities for children. The fact that it's all led by passionate volunteers is amazing! And the Africa Day celebration? Absolutely spectacular! Participants get to create their own stunning traditional clothing from scratch, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of various African countries. It's a fantastic way to promote unity, creativity, and cultural exchange. This organization is truly making a positive impact in the community!
What's heartbreaking is that EEC's Saturday classes have been scaled back due to funding constraints from the council. These classes were once a lifeline for all children in need, but now they're only available to those receiving free meals, which excludes children with 'no recourse to public funds'. EEC's tireless efforts to secure funding for all children were met with frustration. It's devastating because these children rely heavily on such programs, and their parents often can't provide the support they need. The loss of these opportunities will have a lasting impact on their lives.
In the coming months, we at MDF will be listening further to the experiences of families living in destitution - we hope to co-create solutions with people affected that will drive positive change.