Office Manager and Finance Officer

[h3]I was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I came to the UK sixteen years ago as a refugee. I like to meet people from different backgrounds and listen to their stories. I’m lucky because my job gives me the opportunity to do this. I like Sundays very much because it is the day of rest; I go to church and visit friends and family. I enjoy cooking and love the Ethiopian coffee ceremony- not only for the coffee but because it helps me to imagine my hometown where I grew up and my friends and neighbours.[/h3]

Where do you live now? Where have you lived before?
I live in St John’s Wood in north west London and I used to live near Queen’s Park in west London.

Why you are interested in migration?

Because I came to the UK as a refugee.

What do you do at MRCF?

I work as the Administrator and Finance Officer. I also work on the Overseas Health Professionals project.

How did you come to work at MRCF?
I volunteered for MRCF for a few months and after a vacancy opened up I applied and became a paid worker.

What do you think is unique about MRCF?
MRCF is unique in terms of supporting and providing our services to the community. We all reach out to others and make them feel at home and wanted. It’s such a diverse organisation and has a very good understanding of basic human needs. We are especially prepared to go the extra mile to help “outsiders”.

What issues do you think are most important to
migrants in London?
The first and most important thing for migrants is to be welcomed. Once you have that it makes it easier to integrate.

What are you looking forward to in the next year?
To see positive global change for migrant and refugee rights and that everyone is treated equally regardless of their background.

“We all reach out

to others and make

them feel at home and

wanted… We go the

extra mile.”