Project Esperanza

EVERY SATURDAY
AT
DRYLAW NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE
WE ARE RUNNING ENGLISH CLASS AT ALL LEVELS COME JOIN US
67B Groathill Road EH4 2SA EDinburgh

CEO’s Message: Refugee Week 2026
As Refugee Week comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary strength, creativity, and courage that refugee and displaced families bring to our communities every single day. This week is not simply a commemoration for us at Project Esperanza, it is a mirror held up to the Scotland we are building together: one where every family, regardless of origin, is met with dignity, safety, and the chance to thrive.

This year’s theme, “Our Home”, resonates deeply with our work. For many of the families we support, home is not a single place,it is a journey. It is the memory of what was left behind, the uncertainty of what lies ahead, and the daily labour of rebuilding belonging in a world that often misunderstands or marginalises them. Yet in the midst of this, our families continue to show remarkable resilience. They create home in community halls, in shared meals, in laughter between children, in the quiet courage of starting again.

In 2025/2026, Project Esperanza walked alongside hundreds of refugee, asylum‑seeking, and migrant families across Edinburgh. We provided culturally competent, trauma‑informed support that honoured their stories and protected their dignity. Our volunteers offered companionship, advocacy, and practical help. Our youth programmes created spaces where young people could explore identity, leadership, and joy. Our safeguarding work ensured that every concern was met with urgency, care, and accountability. And our community events brought people together across cultures to celebrate heritage, belonging, and hope.

But perhaps what moves me most is the way our families shape us. Their lived experience is not an add‑on to our work, it is the foundation. Their voices guide our programmes. Their leadership strengthens our organisation. Their wisdom challenges us to build systems that are not only inclusive, but liberating.

Refugee Week reminds us that solidarity is not seasonal. It is a practice. A commitment. A way of being in community. As we look ahead, Project Esperanza will continue to stand firmly with displaced families, advocating for justice, nurturing belonging, and creating spaces where healing and empowerment are possible.

To our families: thank you for trusting us.
To our volunteers: thank you for showing up with compassion and integrity.
To our partners and funders: thank you for believing in this work.
And to everyone who has taken time this week to learn, reflect, or act, thank you for choosing humanity.

May we carry the spirit of Refugee Week into every week of the year.
May we continue to build a Scotland where every family can call this place home.

Victoria Nyanga‑Ndiaye
CEO, Project Esperanza

💜 Together we can create change.
Every conversation helps break the silence,challenge harmful practices and protect future generations

Happening now at Project Esperanza !
A powerful community workshop on FGM awareness , prevention and safeguarding .
Knowledge is key to protecting women and girls and creating lasting change.

My Body, My Feelings, My Safety
Every girl deserves to grow up safe, healthy, and surrounded by care.
FGM is never okay, it harms children and takes away their right to feel safe in their own bodies.
At Project Esperanza, we’re helping families, schools, and communities protect our girls through gentle, age‑appropriate education and safe spaces where children can talk, learn, and feel supported.
Girls have the right to say NO to harm
They can talk to someone they trust
They can come to Culture Connections Youth Hub — a safe space for girls
And the adults in our community are here to protect them
If you’re worried about a child, or need advice, we’re here to help.
📞 Call / WhatsApp / Text 07391 257209
📧 [email protected]
If it’s an emergency, call 999.
Together, we can keep every girl safe, confident, and free to enjoy her childhood.