Five minutes with…Yama
Do you know someone who would enjoy this article?
Our ‘Five minutes with…’ series gives you the chance to meet some of the people who make up our Caritas community.
Here, Yama, who is a resettlement worker in our Communities for Afghans team, tells us more about his work and what he loves most about our local area too.
Read on to find out more, then click the link at the bottom of the page to register to join Yama at one of our free webinars this May…
Hello Yama. Please would you tell us a little about your role at Caritas?
I work with and support volunteer groups across the north west of England, including in Manchester, Lancashire, Liverpool, and Leeds, to support Afghan families into housing, education, health care and with integration through resettlement schemes.
I also work to support the needs of Afghan refugee families and people seeking asylum, through transition and arrival to the UK, in conjunction with partners and referral agencies.
I promote the Communities for Afghans and Community Sponsorship programmes, recruiting and empowering volunteer groups and refugee families to take part, and support host groups in their understanding of Afghan cultural nuances and diversity too. I’m also here to advocate for safe resettlement pathways for refugees and to support the voices of Afghan refugees in the development of projects and programmes.
How long have you worked with Caritas Salford and why did you decide to come and work here?
I joined the amazing Caritas family in February this year. I, myself am a refugee who fled Afghanistan after the government collapsed and I experienced challenges during the relocation and resettlement process. I had to fight for my peace, safety and rights while also was chasing my dreams for education and sustainable employment in the UK.
I have experienced this transition, and I understand the Afghan families’ needs in resettlement process so I can play an important role in providing community support and facilities for their better and smoother resettlement.
What’s the best thing about working at Caritas?
Working in Caritas means you are part of a reputable family who strongly believes and adheres to equality, diversity, human dignity and every individual’s safety, peace and rights.
What’s the best thing about working in your role?
Advocating for, and being a voice for those who need our support the most.
Caritas is a charity. What’s it like working for a charitable organisation?
It’s a blessing and I feel lucky to have the opportunity to work with wonderful colleagues at Caritas and all move in the same direction towards the same purpose, to help, to support and to bring a positive change to someone’s life. Every morning when I wake up, I start new fresh life reminding me that I’m working for a great purpose.
What surprised you about working here that you didn’t expect?
Well, nothing surprised me in general as I had already learnt about Caritas and its reputation and great work. However, I was quite surprised by the high amount of appreciation and positive feedback the teams receive every day on their amazing support and services.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
I mainly enjoy reading books and especially physiology, sociology and history are my favourite subjects that usually I chose to study and learn. But I also enjoy long walking or watching historical films.
What’s your favourite thing(s) to do in Manchester or Lancashire?
Yes, that’s my favourite question indeed. I love to work with Afghan refugees and see if we can do something for them to bring a positive change into their lives. I feel relieved when I see a family is relieved from hardship.
What three words best describe you?
Motivated, self-disciplined and I have great-time management.
How would you sum up the difference your work makes in a sentence?
My work eases the burden of hardships in someone’s life.
Yama is hosting a series of free webinars for anyone interested in volunteering time to help Afghan families seeking refuge and the opportunity to rebuild their lives here in the UK. You can find out more and book your free place now by clicking here.