Host & Origin-Country Languages

Integrating into a new society whose languages one doesn’t understand or speak is very difficult and can have negative effects, such as isolation and restricted access to employment opportunities. This can lead to poverty and increased avoidable dependence on social welfare, which puts pressure on local councils for housing and social support.

Also, as English is often not their first language, diaspora youths will sometimes struggle to communicate. This restricts their engagement with peers and school/college staff and can, in the long term, reduce confidence levels and lead to isolation and stress.

Helping diasporans learn English and Welsh enhances their chances of upgrading their educational and vocational qualifications and subsequently gaining employment. That way, poverty and dependency on social services are avoided, and their potential for community participation increases.

At Diaspora Outreach UK, we believe language is a bridge to identity, history, and cultural pride. Through our community-led language sessions, we teach young people their origin-country languages such as Swahili, Yoruba, Twi, Shona, Ndebele, Somali, and more. These sessions help preserve heritage, foster intergenerational connection, and empower youth with a deeper sense of belonging. By learning their ancestral languages, young people gain confidence, cultural insight, and stronger ties to their roots and wider community.