IT & Community Resource Centre

At the heart of ISRAAC stands the IT & Community Resource Centre, a vibrant and welcoming space where learning, technology, and cultural identity come together. It is a place for people of all ages to build confidence, gain new skills, and reconnect with their heritage while looking toward the future.

Since opening, the centre has become a lifeline for digital access and lifelong learning within Sheffield’s diverse communities. For many participants, it is their first step toward employment, education, or reconnecting with family abroad.

A Place for Learning and Opportunity:

The ISRAAC IT & Community Resource Centre is open to everyone who wants to improve their digital skills, find work or training opportunities, or access educational programmes across Sheffield.

We currently deliver:

• Basic IT Skills sessions, covering essential computer use, email, online safety, and digital forms.
• ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses, improving confidence, communication, and independence.

Learners include older adults discovering technology for the first time, young jobseekers building CVs, and parents supporting children’s online education.

Our small class sizes and one-to-one mentoring ensure that every learner receives the support they need. Tutors and volunteers take time to understand each person’s goals, whether it’s learning how to apply for jobs, create presentations, or start a small business.

These courses fill quickly, so we encourage anyone interested to contact our office to be added to the waiting list or receive updates about future sessions.

“This centre changed my life. I never thought I could use a computer, now I’ve applied for my first job online.” A participant, 2024

Preserving the Somali Story in Britain:

Beyond training and technology, the Resource Centre serves as a living archive, collecting, documenting, and preserving the rich history of the Somali and Somaliland communities in Sheffield and across the North of England. For decades, ISRAAC has been described as “the unofficial Somali embassy of the North” a trusted place where community, heritage, and representation meet.

From old photographs and travel documents to oral histories and newspaper archives, we are building a permanent digital and physical record of Somali life in Britain, tracing stories from early seafarers and factory workers to community leaders, artists, and activists.

We collaborate closely with national museums, universities, and heritage organisations, including partnerships with local archives, to ensure that Somali history is accurately represented in Britain’s wider cultural story.

ISRAAC has hosted and contributed to exhibitions on topics such as:

• Halimo Abdi Batel and the 1904 Somali Village in Bradford
• Somali Seafarers and the British Merchant Navy
• Faith, Family, and Resilience, 100 Years of Somali Heritage in Britain

These projects celebrate the strength, creativity, and dignity of a community that has helped shape modern Britain.

Reconnecting Families and Rebuilding Lives:

One of ISRAAC’s most important and compassionate roles is helping families reconnect.

Due to conflict, migration, and displacement, many Somali families have lost contact with relatives across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Through trusted networks and partnerships with local and international organisations including red cross, ISRAAC helps individuals trace and reconnect with their loved ones.

These reconnections can be profound:

• Parents finding children they haven’t seen in decades,
• Siblings discovering one another through shared family names,
• Young people reconnecting with grandparents or cultural roots in Somalia and Somaliland.

ISRAAC works with charities, embassies, and media organisations to gather and verify information, always maintaining confidentiality and dignity. Every successful reunion is a story of hope, healing, and belonging, and a reminder of the importance of community leadership in times of change.

Community Support and Representation

ISRAAC continues to be a trusted voice for the Somali and wider African communities in Sheffield and beyond.

We provide general advice and community support, including:

• Documentation and reference letters for applications or legal matters,
• Ethnicity verification and cultural guidance for public agencies,
• Advice on housing, welfare, and access to local services.

ISRAAC also plays an active role in national research, policy consultation, and media representation, providing accurate insight into Somali culture, migration, and faith. Our staff and trustees frequently collaborate with local authorities, universities, and national broadcasters to ensure that Somali voices are heard with respect, accuracy, and integrity.

Support in Times of Loss

In times of bereavement, the ISRAAC Funeral Committee provides invaluable support to families.
The committee coordinates funeral arrangements, assists with cultural and religious practices, and ensures that every burial respect Islamic tradition and the wishes of the family.

No one faces loss alone. The community comes together, offering comfort, prayer, and practical help to ensure that every farewell is handled with compassion and dignity.

The Funeral Committee has supported families for over 30 years and continues to serve as a cornerstone of solidarity and care.

A Shared Space for Everyone

When ISRAAC programmes are not running, the IT & Community Resource Centre is available for use by external organisations, especially during school holidays.

The space includes:

• Fully equipped computers and Wi-Fi access
• Smart display screens and presentation facilities
• Seating for workshops and training sessions

It’s ideal for community workshops, education sessions, or cultural events.
We welcome partnerships with schools, charities, and training providers who share our commitment to learning and inclusion.
Please contact our office for availability, prices, and collaboration opportunities.