News
Lottery reveals untold stories of London's minority groups
27th April 2004
The Evelyn Oldfield Unit (EOU), based in Islington, has received a grant of £649,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to reveal the untold stories of London's refugee communities.
The two-year project will record individual and community stories of refugees who have settled in London since 1951, highlighting their important social, economic and political contribution to the capital's diverse heritage. Culminating with an exhibition at the Museum of London, this will be the first major project to collate and interpret the histories of refugee communities, archiving first hand experiences and preserving them for future generations to explore.
The EOU, working with 15 fieldworkers and 75 volunteers from 15 Refugee Community Organisations, will interview over 150 individuals, recording a wide range of stories. Each community organisation will present their findings at a local show, followed by a major exhibition hosted by the Museum of London in 2005.
The project is expected to directly benefit half a million people, including participants and exhibition visitors, and will open up the important and colourful contribution refugee communities have made to London life to as many people as possible. Fieldworkers will be trained in project management, interviewing, evaluation, archiving and exhibition presentation skills in collaboration with the London Metropolitan University and the Museum of London, who are partners in the scheme.
Sue Bowers, Regional Manager for HLF in London, said; 'Refugee community histories have played an important part in London's lively and varied character. The EOU project will preserve this valuable heritage, providing something that community members can be really proud of, and is something that HLF is delighted to help make possible.
'This is one of several HLF funded projects exploring London's rich community cultures, demonstrating our commitment to giving everyone the opportunity to take part in and enjoy their heritage.'
Tzeggai Yohannes, Director of the Evelyn Oldfield Unit added; 'This project will document valuable resources in a testament to the commitment and contributions that refugee community organisations have made to British society. We are grateful for the support of the HLF and Trust for London whose involvement is worthwhile and noble'.
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Notes to Editors:
- The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) enables communities to celebrate, look after and learn more about our diverse heritage. From our great museums and historic buildings to local parks and beauty spots or recording and celebrating traditions, customs and history, HLF grants open up our nation's heritage for everyone to enjoy. We have supported more than 14,000 projects, allocating over £2.8 billion across the UK.
- The Evelyn Oldfield Unit is a National Capacity Building Organisation with the aim to provide, develop and coordinate specialist support and training services for established refugee community organisations in order to increase their capacity and potential for meeting the needs of their communities.
