Back to Directory

Eastern Sudan Community Association (ESCA)

Description

What Does ESCA Do?
About ESCA
The Eastern Sudan Community Association (ESCA) is a UK-registered charity founded by individuals from Eastern Sudan. It supports and empowers Sudanese and East African refugees, migrants, and long-term residents in the UK. While deeply rooted in the Beja and Eastern Sudanese identity, ESCA also serves communities from Darfur, Nubia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Yemen, and others.
Mission & Vision
Mission:
 Reduce social isolation and exclusion
 Preserve cultural identity, especially Beja heritage
 Promote inclusion and integration into British society
Core Values:
 Incivility
 Respect
 Cultural pride
 Opportunity for all
Strategic Focus: Four Key Pillars
1. Education & Training
 ESOL (English) classes
 Employment readiness workshops
 Digital literacy training
 Homework clubs and GCSE preparation
 Adult learning opportunities
 Free education for families receiving Free School Meals
2. Community & Culture
 Beja language and cultural heritage events
 Storytelling and intergenerational gatherings
 Women’s and men’s empowerment groups
 Mixed-gender events to promote equality
3. Sports & Youth Development
 Football leagues for boys and girls aged 5–25
 Leadership and mentorship programs
 Safe recreational and after-school activities
 Youth-centred approach shaped by community feedback
4. Mental Health & Wellbeing
 Regular workshops with Healthy Mind Clinic
 Culturally sensitive trauma support for refugees
 Mental health initiatives for women and teens
 Support groups and substance misuse prevention
Who We Support
 Children & Teens: Education, recreation, mentoring
 Refugee Families: Orientation, integration, housing and employment support
 Elderly: Social inclusion, home visits, wellbeing care
 Women in Need: Safety, empowerment, leadership training
 New Migrants: Immigration, employment, and benefits assistance
Key Community Support Areas
 Mental and physical health support, especially for youth and elderly
 Preservation of Beja cultural identity (language, music, customs)
 Education access for low-income families
 Employment and financial independence training to reduce welfare reliance
 Social integration for refugees
Mental Health as a Core Priority
 Mental health is central to ESCA’s mission
 Observed widespread trauma during World Refugee Day (June 2025)
 Weekly culturally sensitive sessions in partnership with Healthy Mind Clinic
 Filling a vital gap left by other community groups
Youth & Children’s Recreational Space
Planned resources include:
 PlayStation consoles, table tennis, billiards, computers
 Musical instruments (organ, piano)
 Reading library, puppet theatre, art workshops
 Educational trips, competitions, youth discussion forums
Weekend School and Education Services
 GCSE tutoring in English, Maths, Science
 Adult ESOL classes
 Free for qualifying families
 Urgently seeking space and support to expand services
Training Programme (Annual Plan)
Location: ESCA Community Training Hall Purpose: Equip volunteers, improve employability, ensure safety
A. Community Safety & Legal Compliance
 First Aid
 Safeguarding (children & adults)
 Fire Safety
 Health & Safety Adviser Training
 Risk Assessment & Duty of Care
 Accident Reporting
B. Inclusion, Health & Empowerment
 Medication awareness for carers
 Mental health & wellbeing for women
 Confidence building and public speaking
 Equality, diversity, and youth healthcare sessions
C. Organisational Development
 GDPR compliance
 Anti-money laundering
 Corporate social responsibility (CSR)
 Banksman & Security guard training
(Vocational training provides job opportunities for unemployed people with UK work permits.)
Partnerships & Recognition
 Trusted by local authorities and funders
 Strong partnerships with charities, clinics, and councils
 Responsive to community feedback
 Proudly diverse and inclusive membership
Looking Ahead: ESCA’s Priorities
1. Expand outreach to undeserved communities
2. Strengthen funding and government partnerships
3. Grow community-led programming
4. Secure sustainable venues and resources