Fouad Qamar and Raphaela Berding are the latest recruits to our InterAction Drop-in team. Fouad is a refugee from Kuwait who was formerly a volunteer with our Digital Inclusion Project whilst Raphaela is from Germany and has also found a second home here in the North East.
Fouad Qamar
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am originally from Kuwait, but relocated to the UK in 2018. I am married with three amazing children aged 11, seven and four years old. I enjoy reading, playing squash, and I love cooking. My ‘signature dish’ is Chicken Biryani – a Sri Lankan chef taught me how to cook it.
What’s your career background?
I started working when I was a child of about 12 years old, like all stateless children in Kuwait. I worked as a street hawker for a few years, then in different places (that may now be considered child labour according to the laws), like the mini supermarket, charity fundraising, as a newspaper distributor, in printing. Sometimes I worked two jobs.
I have a background in graphic design and printing, as I worked in this field for a long time. I have a BEd in social sciences and worked as a teacher for a few years in Kuwait. I studied for a Masters at Al Jinan University in Lebanon, majoring in human rights and international law. But before I finished the final discussion of my thesis, I had to leave Kuwait for the UK to seek asylum. I hope to finish my studies soon.
What’s your new role?
My new role at Action Foundation is InterAction Project Officer. My job is to work in cooperation with my InterAction team colleagues, to lead the effective and safe running of our Drop-in activities.
What drew you to apply for a job at Action Foundation?
Action Foundation is one of the main organisations in Tyne and Wear which I can work with to gain practical experience, professional training, and skills to work with people from diverse countries and cultures.
I always wanted to work with and support vulnerable groups, in particular working with refugees and asylum seekers because I am a stateless person, who was an asylum seeker, and now a refugee therefore, I understand the experiences of others who are going through the same process, and I understand the processes involved.
It is such an amazing opportunity to reach out to as many people as possible to empower, support, and build diverse relationships.
Raphaela Berding
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am originally from Germany and I came to Newcastle in 2018 to study for an MA and PhD in Sociology. It’s been a very positive experience for me here in Newcastle from the start and I really feel that I have found a second home in the North East. I love everything outdoors – running, hiking, walking, or cycling. Most weekends I am out and about with my husband. It’s great to be in a place with both the coast and National Parks! I like travelling to new places and exploring new countries and cultures.
What’s your career background?
I have lived and worked in different countries before coming to Newcastle. After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Germany, I went to the US to study, and then worked in Brussels before coming to the UK. I am currently writing my PhD in Sociology where I explore refugee and asylum seeker issues in Newcastle, and as part of this I have also volunteered at different refugee supporting charities in Newcastle. I also teach undergraduate students in Sociology at Newcastle University, and I have worked as a Research Assistant in the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology.
What’s your new role?
I am joining the InterAction project team as Project Officer where I will be supporting the drop-in sessions delivering case work and helping to run the project.
What drew you to apply for a job at Action Foundation?
I have volunteered at Action Language for the past few years and have always wanted to get more involved with the organisation and the good work they do. I am very passionate about migration issues and this is an exciting opportunity to help the community and develop ways to provide an inclusive environment to newcomers to the North East.
