A MONEY transfer agency specialising in sending cash to Third World Horn of Africa has received an excellence in the community’ award in London’s East End from Britain’s first Somali mayor
A MONEY transfer agency specialising in sending cash to Third World Horn of Africa has received an 'excellence in the community' award in London's East End from Britain's first Somali mayor.
The Dahabshiil agency received the award from Ahmed Omer, mayor of Tower Hamlets which has one of London's fastest-growing Somali migrant communities.
He turned up at their Whitechapel offices yesterday (Monday) to present the award recognising 'outstanding contribution' to the local, national and international Somali community over the last 40 years.
"This shows how businesses can integrate responsible practices into mainstream operations," said Cllr Omer. "Dahabshiil has been a pillar of our community for four decades. It's great to see an African business thriving and having such an impact internationally."
The transfer agency has a network of 24,000 agents worldwide supporting Somalis. It invests five per cent of its profits into community projects such as schools, hospitals, agriculture and sanitation.
The agency's chief, Abdirashid Duale, said: "Transferring remittances is a lifeline for many people in the developing world whose friends or family live abroad and regularly send money home."
Most international organisations in Somalia, including the UN, World Health Organisation, World Bank, Oxfam and Save the Children, rely on the agency to provide payment services for their staff and contractors.
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