Community Feedback and appreciation of work
Abdishakur Tarah approached me in my role as Study Support Coordinator for the LEA in
2002/03 to provide some financial assistance to an educational initiative targeted at providing Somali school children with out of hours learning opportunities. Many of the children were newly arrived in Leicester and were disadvantaged by their unfamiliarity with the English education system and in some cases with the English language. The work had clear relevance for those of us in the Education Department, as we had been concerned about the relatively poor performance in public examinations. Small amounts of funding have been located since then to support the work of this excellent social enterprise. Abdish has always kept me very well informed of the groups progress and success stories and this summer I was delighted to be asked to present certificates to AES Study Club students. The projects annual reports are always thorough and heart-warming and I am confident that AES is playing an important role in raising educational standards here in Leicester. As we move towards Extended Services in and Around Schools I feel confident that AES is well placed to serve as a community partner for many of our schools.
Gaynor Nash (Acting Extended School Co-ordinator)

As a Managing Director of Somali Development Services, I have been privileged to had opportunity to work in partnership with Aqoon, which is a dedicated social enterprise to improve the educational achievement of Somali children in Leicester. Their work has been tremendously felt and recognised within our community which has made a huge difference in the life of many children. Well done! I am looking forward to work with you in many coming years Insha-allah.
Jawaahir Daahir (Managing Director, Somali Development Services)

As one of the parents whose their children attend at AES Study and Homework Club, I found the project is an important program for our children as well as Somali parents, because it provides help for their homework and extra tuition in all national curriculum subjects which is an added value for raising attainment in schools. t is the third school year that my children attending this Study Club. As the benefit received from this project, my children made a significant progress and achieved well in school. English as an Additional Language Pupils, Somali pupils need such provision and I am overwhelmingly encouraged by the professional commitments of Aqoon Education Services and its supporting agencies, such as, Leicester City Council, Education Department, and NRF-Literacy Development to raise standards of Somali pupils in this city. As a parent, I would encourage both to continue the great work they do for the community.
Abdisamed N. Outeh (Parent)