Profile: Abdulsalam and Shreef

Abdulsalam (25) and Shreef (25) have both come here to Scotland from Sudan. They have been living in East Kilbride for just under the last two years and, with the help of EK Integration, they have managed to start building a life for themselves in the local community. 

They both spoke to us recently about learning a whole new language, the various local events held by EK Integration that they most enjoy, helping other asylum seekers in similar situations, and their hopes for the future.  

Both of their English language skills are impressive, having spent time working hard at both South Lanarkshire College and our ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages) held every Thursday. 

Abdulsalam is currently learning English at college: “It’s quite difficult… In the beginning it was really difficult because this is my first time learning new languages. I had no idea about the English language but now I think it’s okay.” 

Abdulsalam

He went on to talk about volunteering with EK Integration and the help he gives others going through the asylum process in Scotland: “I started to work here as a volunteer and that has made me so happy to help other people as well. It’s a golden opportunity to get some experience and improve my English… to find out about Scottish culture and other people.

“Sometimes I translate to the other guys,” he says. “If someone got a new flat, I help move some stuff from here [at the charity’s office] to the house… some people have houses without a bed or furniture so I help them with that. I help others with applying to college as well.” 

Shreef has also become a full time volunteer with EK Integration: “I have an IT background so I help with organising, some designs, working with spreadsheets, and inputing data. I also help the other guys with interpretation; if they have problems with council tax, applying for college, things like that.” 

Speaking of the events at EK Integration, both of the guys have spoken about how much they enjoy the football, which is held every Thursday at K Park in East Kilbride. Coming from Sudan where they have been playing football since they were children, they spoke about how it is a great way to ease the stress they’ve been through and feel involved in the local community. 

Shreef says: “The football is the thing I’m most interested in. It has a huge impact for all the guys because most of them [being asylum seekers] are not allowed to work, staying at the hotel, dealing with depression and anxiety so football is great for them in dealing with that.” 

Shreef

“My favourite is the football,” says Abdulsalam. “I’ve been playing football for a long time, since I was a child so it’s my favourite. I also like watching it. We won a cup last year and this year as well.” 

Asking the guys about how they see their futures developing here in Scotland, they were both enthusiastic about continuing to help out at EK Integration and pursuing careers of their own. 

Abdulsalam says: “My big plan is when I finish English classes I want to study electrical engineering, so I’m working hard to improve my English. 

“Our relationship [with EK Integration] is really good,” he continues. “It’s like a family. Even if I’ve got other responsibilities, I will come along and do as much as I can to help other people. It’s my pleasure.”    

Shreef has spoken about wishing to pursue work in software developing: “I will continue helping and working towards doing IT and designs, google sheets, google docs and interpreting to improve my English as well.

“In September I will start my IT course doing software development,” he continues. “So after that I will have the skills to help even more, like building websites for local groups, improving digital systems, database management and offering tech help where it’s needed."

We wrapped up the interviews with both of the guys keen to dispel the misconceptions much of the general public has about asylum seekers, with social media being a key culprit in spreading misinformation and bigotry. 

Shreef says: “They [the public] think you are taking their job or something like that but it is all a misunderstanding. Some people just don’t have the qualifications and wonder why they can’t get jobs and you can.”

Abdulsalam expressed similar feelings: “Most people only hear negative things on social media. If you don’t know someone or didn’t have a conversation with him, you can’t know him... is he a great guy or a bad guy.

“They don’t talk about positive things about immigration,” he continues. “Sometimes when you go to a place, people look at you strange, give you weird looks like you’re a criminal… all these problems come from social media.”