Afghanistan and Central Asian Association

The Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) is a small but successful Afghan organisation founded in 2001 by Dr Nooralhaq Nasimi, a refugee who arrived in the UK with his young children in 1999. The family all work on a voluntary basis to support the grievances and needs of refugees in London and to help integrating them into mainstream British Society. They are thus focused heavily on the social integration and social mobility of refugees and migrants, as well as empowering Afghan citizens back home in Afghanistan. The ACAA has two offices in London, one in Lewisham and one in Hounslow. The organisation offers a range of services that rely heavily on the work of refugees. These include ESOL classes for men, women and children; Supplementary Saturday and evening schools for children to help them with homework, as well as participating in other activities. A free legal clinic every Monday, to inform people of their rights and services that are already available for them. A Women's Tea Corner - a place that offers companionship, a place to share experiences, make friends. Many refugees have no means of accessing services such as these if it were not for organisations such as the ACAA. The organisation also offers mentoring support for those who require it to reach their potential. The ACAA regularly run social and cultural events and trips and outings for refugees and migrants, as a way of offering them something to look forward to as well as increase the awareness of the charity within the community. The ACAA offer housing and employment support to support independence, social cohesion, social inclusion and a sense of belonging. The ACAA itself provides volunteering placements for those who wish to gain UK based work experience, as a result offering exposure to the workplace and providing a sense of purpose. The ACAA is also focused on addressing the mental health issues that arise as a result of the refugees and migrants circumstances.