An interview with Zabihullah Liwal-Saam, group member

What type of project / service / group are you?

Community Group

What activities or services do you provide?

This is a recently created group. We just established our constitution and we aim to be together to help each other to build our lives and overcome our disabilities; to find jobs and try to be at least at the same level as the rest of the society. We help Afghani people of all ages; we also provide support for people who are awaiting their papers from the authorities (i.e. Home Office), and also promote our culture and traditional values from back home.

We observe celebrations important to Afghani people - it is a group designed to preserving our cultural heritage

We run a chess club, a snooker club and other leisure activities - anyone wanting to challenge our chess or snooker players is more than welcome!

Are your services targeted to a specific group of people?

Yes, people from an Afghani background

Are your services targeted to people living in a specific area?

Slough and surrounding areas

When did your project / service / group came into being? How did it all start?

In April 2004, several of us got together and decided to set up this group to keep together and support each other, as well as keeping in touch with our tradition and culture

What are you most proud of in terms of your achievements?

Initially, it was very difficult for us to gather and trust each other, as we come from different ethnic groups and because of the Afghani history of conflict between those groups. In time though we succeeded in creating closer links amongst ourselves - where before we were only acquaintances, now we are friends.

Moreover, now every Afghani knows that there is a place where we meet and that there is a source of support from people who have been through similar experiences.

What are your goals for the near and distant future? Where do you see your work / project in a few years' time?

Afghan Welface Association Contact Details: 

Address: FOR CORRESPONDENCE ONLY C/O Slough Refugee Support, 28 Bath Road, Slough, SL1 3SR
Telephone: 01753 537 142
Entry updated: 24/01/2006