Refugee Education and Training
Advisory Service
Leeds
Background Information
RETAS Leeds opened in 2002. We were founded by an international London-based charity Education Action. RETAS was established as a response to the number of refugees in the UK who needed advice and guidance about progressing through education and professional re-qualification.
Today, RETAS in Leeds has broadened its work. We aim to improve the lives of refugees and asylum seekers in West Yorkshire through supporting them in all aspects of education, employment and integration. We aim to provide a welcoming and friendly environment for our clients. We have a core team of 8 paid staff and 10 volunteer administrators. We also employ language tutors to teach English to our service users. Our work expanded over the years to include many different projects and we work across West Yorkshire.
RETAS' work is funded through a number of sources. As well as many small donations, this year (2008-2009) we are funded by the following sources:
- Big Lottery Fund
- Neighbourhood Renewal Fund
- The Yorkshire Forward/Access to Employment Programme
- The Triangle Trust
- The Church Urban Fund
- Leeds Christian Community Trust
- Wade's Charity
Cameroonian asylum seeker Raphael Petta Kamang presented with course certificate by guest trainer Kabwe Mutonji and RETAS manager Duncan Wells
