Charity works to meet changing population demands

A charity says it is working to meet the demands of a changing population in Jersey.

Friends of Africa supports migrant groups and helps promote diversity and inclusion in the island through public campaigns such as Africa Week.

The charity said it estimated there were about 500 people of African heritage when it began its work 11 years ago, and said there were about 5,000 members of the community living in the island while the 2021 census recorded 1,284 people living in Jersey who are from Africa.

There has also been a rise in members of the Filipino, Caribbean, Thai and Indian communities, which Friends of Africa also helps.

Lesley Katsande co-founded the charity and said she had seen how its work had expanded over the years.

She said: "I could see the demographics changing... we figured community spirit was the best way to integrate people."

Katsande added: "There have been ups and downs, but, at the moment, we can see the changes coming and we lobbied for the introduction of a modern slavery law."

She has also worked to bring events like Africa Week to schools in Jersey to raise awareness of African culture within the education system.

The charity's chair, Washington Gwatidzo, said the change in demographics meant the work helping people settle in locally was more important than ever.

He said: "We're a bridge in the system... we're working with people who find themselves in crisis and sometimes the system isn't there to support them.

"We are helping people to navigate that system, and I think that's the really important bit... the hard, nitty gritty stuff we've got to do in the background, that's the most important stuff."

The charity has been nominated for the BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Awards.

Lisa Wokabi was supported by the charity when she came to Jersey from Kenya.

She said: "It's special to me because when I came to Jersey I felt like I didn't belong, but the Friends of Africa charity group made me feel at home.

"I remember meeting Lesley at an event that was organised for new people in Jersey, and they do this for the whole community not just Kenyans who are here on visas and permits."

The winner of the BBC Radio Jersey Make a Difference Awards are due to be announced in September.

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