El Diwan Arabic Centre

Families and Education

Our aim to enable children and young people to develop confidence, self-esteem and the necessary skills and ability to progress through key stages of social, emotional and educational development enabling them to reach their true potential. The education programme is currently delivered on term time only we do aim to provide educational opportunities for children during school holidays this includes:

• Trip & Days out Sports Activities Programme.
• Gardening Programme at our Diwan local community allotment.
• Cookery Programme at our Diwan kitchen Centre.

All Programme are open access to all children and youth in the City of Sunderland. For More information and details, please click here.

Arabic Language Classes

Come and join our Arabic language classes for all ages. We offer a range of levels. Our courses run for 5-10 weeks. We also deliver basic conversational Arabic Language Classes ( Arabic for holiday for none Arabic speaking ) for further details contact El Diwan Arabic Centre click here.

English Language Classes

El Diwan Arabic Centre offering ESOL weekly classes are delivered in the centre, you can learn English which will be relevant to your need in real life situations. To find out more please contact us.

Arts, Heritage & Culture

Arabic Arts

El Diwan Arabic Centre is passionate about enabling children, young people and Adults of all communities in the city of Sunderland to share and learn about Arts Culture and heritage. We deliver a range of activities throughout the year. To find out what we have on offer keep in touch with our Tweet section or like us on Facebook.

Women’s keep fit

This group is designed to enable women to come together and do some activities, including Women Keep fit and increase a healthier lifestyle.To find out more click here

Men’s Intergenerational Activities

This group is very popular with local men who take part in a range of fun and enjoyable activities, Chess. Table tennis, Board games, cultural storytelling and much more. To find out more click here

Community Resources & Advocacy

 إذا كنت جديدًا في المنطقة أو البلد سوف يدعمك الديوان سيقدم لك برنامج التوجيه الخاص حيث يمكّنك من التواصل مع أفراد المجتمع الذين يمكنهم مشاركة الخبرات الإيجابية للمشاركة في مجموعة من فرص التنمية الترفيهية والشخصية.  يرجى الاتصال بنا

Staff and Board Members

Dodi El Atawneh [CHAIR]. Sandra Collinson [DIRECTOR]. Kami Kundi [DIRECTOR].

El Diwan Arabic Centre is also supported by sessional teachers, community workers and volunteer support staff.

Research on the history of Middle Eastern Arab in the UK

El Diwan Arabic Centre previously worked in partnership with north east local Universities and local authorities on the history and present day of Arabs in the UK. The most recent Census in 2011 highlights that in England and Wales Arab group 0.4 per cent of the UK population, El Diwan Arabic Centre will continue to provide up to date a monthly newsletter to highlight new information in connection and related to Arab’s life in the UK in both Arabic and English languages. To find out more click here

Information point

Our office is open Monday-Friday between 10am and 2pm. If you are in need of guidance and support in dealing with issues relating to communicating with utility providers, completing forms, need legal and immigration advice but not sure who to ask, we have dedicated Arabic Speaking staff who can offer the support to meet your needs.We provide a range of leaflets and information on local activities and services for all members of the community.

Jobseekers and StartUp Business

If you are jobseeker or wanted to start your own business we can help you in obtaining full and part time employment and completing a business plan, for this you need to speak to the job centre and ask for referrals to El Diwan Arabic Centre. To find out more click here.

Women’s Support 

This group is designed to enable women to come together to meet for chat coffee enjoy themselves, strictly speaking women only. To find out what we have on offer keep in touch with our Tweet section or like us on Facebook.

Supporting integration and community participation

We recognise that taking the first steps to access services and provision in the area can be difficult, especially if you are new to the area and or country. El Diwan  will support you with this, our mentor programme will offer you one to one support and then enable you to link with members of the community who can share positive experiences of taking part in a range of recreational and personal development opportunities. Please contact us we are here to support you.