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Why bikes are better than people

Karola Formella is quite literally one of the most colourful characters to be found on the streets of Brighton. An integral element of anarchist social centre, The Cowley Club, she consigns her daily life to the community cause and what she calls, “giving oil to the engine of good stuff”. I met Karola at the Cowley, on what felt like the first real day of 2014 spring. We sat in the back yard while her chocolate, coconut, cardamom and lemon cake baked in the oven, alongside a few other equally…

Karola Formella is quite literally one of the most colourful characters to be found on the streets of Brighton. An integral element of anarchist social centre, The Cowley Club, she…

A life of writing & travel

I was born in Mogadishu in 1953 during the Italian Trusteeship and educated in Italian schools. In 1971 I left Somalia during the Siad Barr dictatorship. I moved to northern Italy with my husband, an Italian citizen. While I raised two daughters I travelled extensively because of my husbands’ work living in Zambia, Saudi Arabia and the United States of America. Returning to Italy I collaborated with different women’s group associations who dealt with social and immigration problems. In 1994, as a result of my reaction to the horrors of…

I was born in Mogadishu in 1953 during the Italian Trusteeship and educated in Italian schools. In 1971 I left Somalia during the Siad Barr dictatorship. I moved to northern…

The British Diaspora: More Brits move abroad

About 5.6 million Britons now live abroad permanently, with another 500,000 living abroad for part of the year, according to the Foreign Office. The vast majority, are young working people, in the 25-44 age group, says Tim Finch, co-author of a report, Global Brit: Making the most of the British diaspora. The next biggest group are in the 45-59 age bracket. “Very few are going out to do nothing,” points out Finch, communications director at the Institute for Public Policy Research, the think-tank which published the report. Do they integrate with the societies in which they find themselves? “Pensioners are the least-integrated migrant community,”…

About 5.6 million Britons now live abroad permanently, with another 500,000 living abroad for part of the year, according to the Foreign Office. The vast majority, are young working people, in the 25-44 age…

The UK needs fresh blood

Brendan Montague charts the economic and cultural contributions made by migrants in the uk The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) is launching the “I♥Migrants” campaign to bring together those who understand the huge benefits to the UK which come from people choosing to live and work in this country. Immigration has already proven to be a hotly contested issue as the election approaches with Labour and Conservatives each telling voters they are making Britain’s borders even tougher. The debate is influenced by the idea the BNP can…

Brendan Montague charts the economic and cultural contributions made by migrants in the uk The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) is launching the “I♥Migrants” campaign to bring…

There is something new to learn every day

Mariko's story: There is something new to learn every day My name is Mariko Hayashi. I am 25. I was born in a small town in south of Japan. I currently live in Peckham, South East London. I came to the UK almost 7 years ago to study at university. I love being in London because it always make me feel connected to the whole world. I enjoy meeting people from all over the world and finding out about their country, culture and lives. There is something new to learn…

Mariko's story: There is something new to learn every day My name is Mariko Hayashi. I am 25. I was born in a small town in south of Japan. I…

I will forgive the people who tortured me

Efat Mahbaz was born in 1958 in the city of Langerood in Iran. Langerood, near the Caspian Sea, is famous for two staple items of a Persian's diet - rice and tea, and alongside other northern cities in Iran, it has more equality between men and women. Efat spent a predominant part of her childhood in this city which has a beautiful river flowing through it. Her love for being near water comes from this time in her life. As a child, she says "I was treated as an equal…

Efat Mahbaz was born in 1958 in the city of Langerood in Iran. Langerood, near the Caspian Sea, is famous for two staple items of a Persian's diet - rice…

Immigration - a window of hope and a door of death

Maybe the recent crisis in Lampedusa, Italy and the drowning of hundreds of migrants from Ethiopia and Somali will force the world to confront the terrible tragedy and complicated issues, including those both legal and humanitarian, that the refugee question presents. This is a matter of national and international legislation, and one that affects us all. The floating bodies in Italy in October brings the subject to the surface again and this crisis is spreading all over the world. Who is migrating? Where do they come from and where are…

Maybe the recent crisis in Lampedusa, Italy and the drowning of hundreds of migrants from Ethiopia and Somali will force the world to confront the terrible tragedy and complicated issues,…

The scene I could never erase from my memory

Gealass Al Khalifa was born in 1951 Kirkuk, the richest city in the world for oil. Kirkuk in northern Iraq was also known for the outstanding beauty of its surrounding towns and villages. The beautiful nature, the smell of the roses, the water falls, the sparkling streams with bright stones and clear water, all this nurtured Gealass’s creativity and love for beauty which she has later articulated in words. With her four sisters and a brother, Gealass grew up in a house always full of people from all walks of…

Gealass Al Khalifa was born in 1951 Kirkuk, the richest city in the world for oil. Kirkuk in northern Iraq was also known for the outstanding beauty of its surrounding…

Nana's story

Na Yang, known as ‘Nana,’ works for London Huayu, a charity working tirelessly to promote equal opportunities and good race relations between racial groups. Originally from China, Nana, has been in the UK for 6 years. Even as a student, she volunteered at London Huayu as this is a charity she really believes in. After graduation, she was fortunate enough to be able to continue her work at London Huayu and is now actively working on a project funded by the Trust For London as an Outreach Worker. Her primary…

Na Yang, known as ‘Nana,’ works for London Huayu, a charity working tirelessly to promote equal opportunities and good race relations between racial groups. Originally from China, Nana, has been…

Sofi's story

I immigrated to the UK from Zimbabwe in 2001. After a month, I found a job in a care home for people with neurological disorders. I worked in the caring profession for nine years and loved working with the people I looked after. These clients trusted me and brought me much joy. I felt part of a family. This happiness came to an end suddenly as I was arrested because I was working without the correct papers. I spent a year in prison. When I left prison, I found myself…

I immigrated to the UK from Zimbabwe in 2001. After a month, I found a job in a care home for people with neurological disorders. I worked in the caring…