World Refugee Day Celebration
World Refugee Day Community Celebration 2026
Eastern Sudan Community Association (ESCA)
Community Development Department – London
Event Date: 29 May 2026 Venue: White City Centre, London Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Executive Summary
The Eastern Sudan Community Association (ESCA) successfully organised and delivered the World Refugee Day Community Celebration 2026, bringing together refugees, asylum seekers, newly arrived residents, families, volunteers, and local community members in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.
The event aimed to strengthen community cohesion, support refugee integration, improve wellbeing, and reduce social isolation through a range of cultural, recreational, and community-based activities.
A total of 159 participants attended the event, demonstrating a high level of community engagement and the ongoing need for inclusive, community-led initiatives.
Project Objectives
Promote community cohesion and social inclusion.
Support refugees and newly arrived residents.
Reduce social isolation and increase community participation.
Raise awareness of local services and available support opportunities.
Enhance wellbeing and mental health.
Provide safe, culturally appropriate, and family-friendly activities.
Encourage volunteering and community participation.
Participation
Men: 17 Women: 66 Young People: 23 Children: 53 Total: 159
Participant Breakdown
• Women: 41% • Men: 10% • Young People: 14% • Children: 35%
Activities Delivered
Cultural Performances and Entertainment
The event featured musical and cultural performances that reflected the diversity of the community and promoted intercultural understanding.
Outcomes:
Increased cultural awareness.
Celebrated diversity.
Strengthened community cohesion.
Story Sharing Sessions
Informal discussions provided participants with opportunities to share their personal experiences and life journeys.
Outcomes:
Strengthened relationships among participants.
Increased sense of belonging.
Built new community connections.
Children’s Activities
Games, face painting, interactive activities, and competitions for children.
Outcomes:
Increased child participation.
Encouraged creativity and engagement.
Provided a safe and enjoyable environment.
Community Networking and Relationship Building
Opportunities were provided for participants to meet, interact, and build social connections.
Outcomes:
Strengthened social relationships.
Increased community participation.
Developed informal support networks.
Refugee Welcome Activities
Dedicated welcome activities were organised for refugees and newly arrived residents.
Outcomes:
Increased sense of belonging.
Improved access to information and services.
Supported community integration.
Hospitality and Refreshments
Tea, coffee, and refreshments were provided throughout the event.
Outcomes:
Enhanced the participant experience.
Encouraged social interaction.
Created a welcoming and comfortable environment.
Economic Empowerment and Community Leadership
As part of ESCA’s commitment to sustainable community development, the event included a special recognition segment honouring volunteers, community leaders, and entrepreneurs from the Eastern Sudanese community in the United Kingdom.
This recognition acknowledged their contributions to strengthening community cohesion, supporting vulnerable groups, and promoting economic participation.
Recognised Entrepreneurs
Mr Badr Al-Din Hamdoun – Owner of Al Sultan Al Sudani Restaurant.
Mr Al-Amin Sukkar – Owner of Shallot Café.
Ms Khadija Abdulrahman – Founder and Owner of Doga Coffee.
This programme forms part of ESCA’s strategy to promote entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and economic empowerment within the community.
It also aims to inspire refugees, women, young people, and newly arrived residents to engage in employment opportunities and small business development.
Outcomes
Increased awareness of entrepreneurship and self-employment.
Encouraged economic independence and self-reliance.
Highlighted positive role models within the community.
Strengthened links between community members and local businesses.
Promoted innovation and initiative.
Increased opportunities for economic integration.
Overall Project Impact
Community Cohesion
Strengthened relationships across diverse community groups.
Increased trust within the community.
Improved social integration.
Refugee Inclusion
Increased sense of belonging.
Improved access to support services.
Enhanced participation in community life.
Reducing Social Isolation
Built new friendships and connections.
Reduced feelings of loneliness.
Strengthened social support networks.
Wellbeing and Mental Health
Improved emotional and psychological wellbeing.
Increased confidence and self-esteem.
Strengthened sense of belonging.
Impact on Women
Increased social participation.
Improved access to information.
Strengthened support networks.
Impact on Children and Families
Provided safe and engaging activities for children.
Strengthened family relationships.
Created positive shared experiences.
Additional Programme Highlights
Family Cohesion Programme Graduation
Recognised participants who successfully completed the programme.
Increased confidence and sense of achievement.
Encouraged continued community engagement.
Volunteer and Community Champion Recognition
Strengthened the culture of volunteering.
Encouraged community leadership.
Promoted civic participation.
Participant Feedback
Participants reported that they:
Felt welcomed and included.
Enjoyed the cultural and family-oriented activities.
Built new friendships and relationships.
Appreciated the safe and welcoming environment.
Expressed interest in attending similar events on a regular basis.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
ESCA ensured that the event was inclusive and accessible to all participants regardless of age, gender, cultural background, or religion.
The event actively promoted the values of diversity, equality, and community participation.
Acknowledgements
The Eastern Sudan Community Association (ESCA) extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to the H&F Refugee Department for its support of the World Refugee Day Community Celebration 2026.
ESCA also thanks all volunteers, partners, performers, and participants for their valuable contributions to the success of this event.
Conclusion
The World Refugee Day Community Celebration 2026 successfully achieved its objectives by strengthening community cohesion, supporting refugee integration, reducing social isolation, and improving overall wellbeing.
The strong level of participation and positive feedback highlight the importance of continued investment in community-led initiatives that promote inclusion, resilience, and social cohesion.
Community
Empowering East Sudanese through education and inclusion
Values
Mission
contact@esca-community.com
07831010977
07576353577
© 2025. All rights reserved.