Published: Friday 5 November 2021
More than 180 Afghan evacuees currently living in Kensington and Chelsea spent an afternoon socialising and learning about life in Britain at a community event hosted by Al-Manaar Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre.
Guests headed to the North Kensington centre from the borough’s three “bridging” hotels to spend time with one another, meet leaders from different faiths – including the Church of England and the local synagogue – and enjoy some home-cooked Afghan food provided by Al-Manaar.
The session was funded by Kensington and Chelsea Council, which is working with community groups to help the evacuees settle in Britain through assistance including sourcing clothing and supplies, arranging medical appointments, setting up bank accounts and helping with job applications.
Evacuees staying at the bridging hotels have also been provided with social opportunities including cricket sessions for children, visits to the capital’s parks and copies of walking maps of Kensington and Chelsea.
Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea Councillor Gerard Hargreaves, who attended the Al-Manaar event, said:
“I’m proud to welcome our Afghan brothers and sisters to our borough. It’s vital that we help to get the evacuees out of their hotels whenever possible, no one wants to spend all the time in a hotel and it’s important for all the family to get out and get to know the area and what is available. This event has given a taste of the hospitality and culture that awaits in Britain.”
One evacuee said:
“I arrived in London, and I am so happy to be here. I am very safe, and the people are kind and supportive, always caring about us.”
A second added:
“It is a nice place and they make the Afghan community welcome, they enjoyed the food during the event.”