Somali Youth Development Resource Centre

General information

SYDRC came to existence after a conference aimed at the Somali community in 1999.

Camden Education Department, School Services, Police and the Somali community participated. Concerns were raised by all parties at the apparent underachievement, behavioural problems amongst Somali youth and their involvement in criminal activities.

A research produced by the Institute of Education, London University revealed that only 1 Somali child out of 32 had passed the GCSE examination in Camden. This study also examined the numbers of Somali children passing their GCSEs. At GCSE level, Camden pupil’s averaged 47.7% gaining five A-C passes but Somali pupils average was only 3.1%.
After that research there was commitment by all present to support an initiative aimed at dealing with these issues.

SYDRC is the result of this commitment and has developed a working relationship with all these Camden departments and organisations. In 2008 SYDRC was founded London Somali Youth Forum which is the only youth lead Somali organisation in London with help of Mayor of London, Home Office and Metropolitan Police. The Forum is operating more than 16 London Boroughs and acting the voice and face of the Somali youth in London.