Welcome
A little about us
Dalmar Heritage and Family Development is a dedicated Somali community organisation that extends its support to other Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities within our reach. We are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families by providing a wide range of services across Enfield, Haringey, and West London.
Our programs focus on key areas such as training, education, mental well-being, and personal development, with a special emphasis on enhancing home and work life. We aim to empower individuals, strengthen families, and promote integration and growth within the community.
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We warmly invite everyone. Whether you are seeking support, looking to collaborate, or simply want to learn more, we are excited to hear from you.
Please take a moment to explore our website and discover more about our past and ongoing projects, as well as the positive change we continue to create together.
A Glimpse Into Our History
The journey of Dalmar Heritage and Family Development began in 2008. Founded and led by individuals who left Somalia during its prolonged civil war in the 1990s, we settled in the UK, navigating the challenges of adapting to a new country, building new lives, and raising our children in a foreign culture. As we embraced our new lives, we recognised the importance of passing on something invaluable to our children: our culture, our language, and the rich heritage that shaped us.
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Over time, we came to understand that the more our children connected with their roots, the deeper their sense of identity and belonging became. We saw that learning about their heritage and language helped them develop a better understanding of their parents and their history, enabling them to grow into well-rounded, confident individuals.
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Our first projects were centred on preserving and sharing our cultural legacy. We began by creating bilingual books of stories in Somali and English, aiming to keep our language and traditions alive. This evolved into the establishment of a Mother Tongue School, which later expanded into a Supplementary School designed to support children’s academic success in mainstream education.
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As our community's needs grew, so did our projects. We developed educational initiatives for both children and adults, offering programs on healthy eating, employment training, and practical skills such as craft and sewing. Each new project was a step forward in our mission to provide the tools and knowledge needed for personal and community growth.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to supporting Somali families in the UK, helping them thrive and develop. Our projects are tailored to children, young people, and adults, offering opportunities for growth, learning, and connection. From educational initiatives to community programs, we aim to create a brighter future for every member of the family.
Our Team
Shamsa Adan
CEO
Steering the organisation toward achieving its mission while ensuring sustainability, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Nur Maye Osman
Trustee
Responsible for the charity’s governance and are expected to work together to ensure that the organisation is well-managed and effective in achieving its goals.
Roda Abdirahman
Trustee
Responsible for the charity’s governance and are expected to work together to ensure that the organization is well-managed and effective in achieving its goals.
Warsan Siyaad
Trustee
Responsible for the charity’s governance and are expected to work together to ensure that the organization is well-managed and effective in achieving its goals.
Aisha Mohamed
COO
Maintaining the charity’s operational integrity and ensuring that it has the infrastructure and resources needed to achieve its mission.
Hayaat Abdirahman
West London Branch Manager
Operating day to day activities, providing support for parents, bringing the charity’s vision to life at the local level, ensuring the branch serves the community effectively while meeting organizational goals.
Shukri Shula
Health & Safety Officer
Health and Safety Officer ensures that safety is a priority in all aspects of the charity's work, creating a secure and healthy environment for everyone involved.
Richard Neville
Storyteller/Author
Richard is a professional storyteller who has worked with us since 2008 on our storytelling projects.
