We are the Blog Team here at The Forum, our home away from home in London. We hope to create a space for interaction for people from different cultures and backgrounds to share experiences, knowledge and information to integrate into the London community. We want to show how diversity enriches society, and will be sharing different points of view. Our aim is to break down cultural barriers and build a bridge between communities through mutual understanding.
My name is AISSATA, and I'm from Guinea in West Africa. I came to England in 2006. I like reading and writing, and in my spare time I work on a book. It will talk about life and experiences in a city in Africa. I'm joining the blog team to share my views and impressions of the life in the UK and activities at MRCF.
I am LOUIE from Nigeria. I have been in England for 7 years. I have been accessing the facilities at MRCF since late 2010. Through workshops and courses, I have been able to rediscover my interest in poetry and creative writing. My ambitions are to further develop my interest in screen plays and film directing and song writing. I also have the burning ambition of being a photographer like Kevin Carter.
My name is MOHSEN and I come from Iran. I have been living in the UK for the last 7 years. I used to be a mentee at MRCF and now I am a mentor on the project. I like volunteering at MRCF because I try to understand how people live in difficult situations. I remember a few years ago when I was homeless, I was at work and some kids asked me: "Why do you always have a smile on your face? Do you have no problems in your life?" I replied, "No- I have no problems at all!" And this is my life philosophy: Always keep a smile on your face.
I am ALI from Iran, living in the UK since 2002, studying in clinical ophthalmology. At the moment I am a part-time lecturer in optometry and vision science. I have been involved in the mentoring project at MRCF since August 2010. I believe that there is a tight regulation in the universe that whatever you give, you get back. You can't buy that enjoyment in any other way, and that is why I'm still working on this project.
My name is MARGARET. I'm from the U.S., Atlanta originally, but in November 2010 I moved to London with my husband after 11 years in New York. I am a big fan of London's parks and spend a lot of time each day thinking about food! I am happy to be part of MRCF and am enjoying getting to know the members of this community, learning more about the issues affecting migrants and refugees, and exploring ways we might all make the most of our experience in London.
I am PAULA. With a Jamaican heritage, I grew up in Birmingham - it was a wonderful city. Indeed, every country has problems, but England is a great country. I am currently living in France. It is a different way of life, but what is essentially clear to me is that although the content changes, all human condition remains the same. Suffering and happiness exist everywhere. I want to meet as many different cultures as possible and would love to see Senegal, Iceland, Kenya, Cuba, Japan and Brazil. I love music, art, food, literature, and films. Life seems to be the greatest influence.
My name is UJWALA. I am originally from Bangalore, India and moved here in November 2010. I have always been a city girl, but living here is a whole new experience. I only figure out 'what is in' when I covertly compare my clothes to everyone else on the tube. Everything here changes so quickly! I love London under a blue sky on a sunny day, everything seems so bright and pretty. How it gets so grey and monochromatic at other times never ceases to amaze (and depress) me. It makes me think London is a bit like Life! The MRCF has given me so much and every one has been so nice to me all the time. I hope to do my best to contribute in return.
I am DAVID. I am new to The Forum. I came to London from the Congo (DRC) in 2009. I like to meet and to speak to people of different backgrounds, cultures and languages. I am keen to learn and to acquire new skills. To that end, when my health allows it, I spend some of my time reading and writing. Some of my subjects of interest are related to health and migration issues. Through The Forum, I am convinced that I will not only give but also take lots of encouraging and positive thoughts on how to deal with very complex problems of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees!
My name is ODI and I'm from Iran. I came here to the UK in 2009 and I joined The Forum in 2012. Now I'm a new member of the Blog Team and I'm so happy to work with this fantastic organization as a volunteer. Thank you to The Forum!
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I'm ALEC and I'm originally from Yorkshire in the north of England. I came to London for work and got involved with MRCF originally as a mentor. I help out now with the blog team as a proofreader for the articles. I love the diversity of London and all the cultural activities to be found here and MRCF reflects this. I spend my free time discovering new parts of the capital with all its quirks and oddities! 