This summer, I am interning with Migrants Organise, a small but powerful charity based in London that provides a platform for migrants and refugees to organise for power, dignity, and justice. The organisation operates on multiple levels—from grassroots community support to national policy advocacy.
On one front, Migrants Organise works directly with individuals. Members can receive one-to-one support, whether it’s help with immigration paperwork or guidance on how to open a bank account in the UK. They also offer a wide range of classes—from English and dance to yoga and walking groups—creating spaces where members not only learn new skills but also build community. For many, arriving in the UK is a stressful and uncertain experience, especially when compounded by psychological or physical trauma. Navigating a complex and often hostile environment can feel overwhelming. That’s where Migrants Organise steps in—to ease that transition and remind people they are not alone.
On another front, the organisation is actively campaigning for systemic change. Staff and volunteers are involved in campaigns calling for housing justice, increased legal aid funding, and broader policy reform. I find this dual approach—providing direct support while also working for structural change—both empowering and effective. It’s a model that works with the people and for them.
My first week was packed with activity as I began familiarising myself with the office and its rhythm. The space is small and lively, with members constantly dropping by—some for casework appointments, others for classes that run daily. I attended several of these sessions, shadowed caseworkers, occasionally helped with Arabic-English translation, and joined organisers’ meetings to understand the broader strategy behind their campaigns.
What struck me most was the organisation’s holistic approach. From caseworkers walking hand-in-hand with members through the asylum process to campaigners pushing for justice on the policy level, everything is interconnected. And everyone—from staff to members to volunteers—plays a part.
Since one of my goals is to create visual storytelling materials during my time here, I’ve also started exploring what stories I might tell and how best to tell them. This first week gave me a chance to reflect not just on the ethical dimensions of documentation—like consent and representation—but also on the power of storytelling to build community, visibility, and connection.
I’m an International History major at Georgetown University in Qatar, also pursuing a certificate in Media and Politics. My academic focus lies in understanding the post-Arab Spring Middle East through qualitative research—examining revolutions, civil wars, and Islamist movements to uncover the human stories behind these events.
I’m especially drawn to the intersection of academia, art, and journalism. I recently worked on a creative media project documenting the making of a Sudanese feature film during the ongoing conflict in Egypt, and I’ve explored the political culture of Syrian diaspora youth and the voices of Gazan evacuees in Qatar.
This summer, I’m interning with Migrants Organise in London, supporting grassroots advocacy, community organizing, and storytelling projects with migrants and refugees. Across all my work, I aim to tell stories with empathy and depth—highlighting resilience, dignity, and the power of collective action.
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