The way out of deprivation is through education, Bristol's Lord Mayor, Bill Martin, told a conference on the problems faced by the Somali community. He was a guest speaker at an event in Easton to discuss an action plan aimed at helping refugees build new, successful lives in Bristol.
There are an estimated 10,000 Somalians in the South West, with many of those living below the poverty line.
A report commissioned by the Horn of Africa Forum revealed that 85 per cent of Somali people in the area were illiterate and only five per cent of youngsters had GCSEs.
Councillor Martin told the conference: "For me the answer to deprivation in the community has to be education. Through education you open doors to employment.
"I think it's right that the Somali community asks for a legitimate share of the wealth of the city, for decent education, for decent housing, decent health facilities and jobs.
"They are asking for what most of us already take for granted. The UK is the fifth richest country in the world. I will not accept that we do not have the resources for decent education, training and housing - it's a matter of political will."
Eid Ahmed, a consultant who has been working with the Horn of Africa Forum, is a teacher and trainer educated in Britain who couldn't get a job when he came to the UK 15 years ago.
He said: "The newcomers, young and old, have been subjected to harsh treatment through repression, dislocation and becoming refugees.
"They are experiencing additional problems by adjusting to an alien culture and environment without adequate and suitable services and support.
"There is a need for leadership and political will by the policy and decision makers to initiate transformation and lasting change.
"The Somali people have a lot to offer in the diversification and development of the local economy.
"The Somalis should be seen as an asset and not as a problem."
Posted on Thursday 8th April at 13:38:40