2 May 2006

A newspaper for Somali people living in the UK has been launched on the Internet.

The Somali Voice, which started in 2003, will be available online and its editor Kayse Maxamed believes this will improve access to important Somali news and information, reports the Ealing Times.

"The objective of this much-needed website is to be a voice that represents Somali communities in the UK and to serve as a bridge between governmental, non-governmental agencies and Somali communities across the country," he said.

Mr Maxamed also said that he hopes the website will be often used by teenagers and young adults to keep up-to-date with events, as many of them prefer to use the Internet than other media.

Janpal Basran, manager of Southall Community Alliance, commented that the service would encourage greater participation in Somali community life and an improvement in Internet literacy.

He said: "There's a digital divide in this country and the main groups which tend to have access are those which are well-established. Somali communities and other newly arrived groups don't have access to those facilities. But it is changing."

© Adfero Ltd

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