29 and 30 June 2006: National Refugee Integration Forum's National Conference

Ismail Rexhepi and Arben Asllani from AYA attended the NRIF's National Conference in June in Leeds.

They were the major contributors in a workshop with AYA staff Xhevat Ademi and Caroline ffrench Blake, and Laurence Chester, Chairman of the young peoples' sub-group of the Forum.

The workshop focused on their experiences since coming to the UK with their families during and after the Kosovan war. They taked about housing and education issues, social service provision, how they would like more opportunity to develop themselves, and the need for community groups to offer activities and support. The workshop was held twice during the conference, and was very well-received by the participants. Some said it was the highlight of the conference for them.

Joan Ryan, MP for Enfield North and Parliamentary Under Secretary for The Home Office attended part of the workshop and talked to the young people afterwards about their challenges and experiences of integrating in the UK.

Ismail Rexhepi (left) and Arben Asllani from AYA