At the International Rescue Committee (IRC), we believe that designing our projects around the specific needs of the people we serve is crucial to achieving real impact.

We are committed to ensuring that the voices of refugees and asylum seekers are at the centre of decision-making, so our services are relevant and responsive to their unique circumstances.

Our Community Advisory Board (CAB) provides an opportunity for clients to take a leading role in shaping the decisions that directly impact the services they receive.

Meet the Community Advisory Board

Margarita arrived in the UK with her daughter in May 2022 under the Home for Ukraine scheme. She engaged in extensive volunteer work with Medway Help for Ukrainians from 2022 to 2023. During this time, she completed various courses in the UK, enhancing her skills in community interpreting, ESOL, leadership, and safeguarding. Since 2023, she has been working as a community interpreter, volunteer, and fundraiser for Ukraine. Margarita became a member of the IRC CAB in February 2024.

In her homeland, Margarita has over 18 years of expertise in Public Relations within the financial and investment industry. She has a proven track record of success in Corporate Affairs, Government Relations, Corporate Social Responsibility, Internal Communications, and Event Management.

Paisible is a former judge of the court and former Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Muyinga in Burundi for 9 years, he and his wife fled the country and arrived in the UK in 2022 as asylum seekers, leaving their 6 children under 18 in the country. He became a member of the CAB IRC UK in 2023. His passion is advocacy and Reconciliation.

Dr. Mir is an educator, researcher, and consultant with expertise in refugee education, language in education, and education in crisis contexts. He has worked with institutions including the University of Bath, the University of Bristol, the University of York, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Herat University, and Asia Higher Education Institute.

Through the lens of social justice, his research focuses on belonging, success and safety in education for refugees. Through his work he has contributed to education policy and development. As a member of the Community Advisory Board, Mir looks forward to supporting the education team in advancing inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for refugees.

Masoma is committed to supporting displaced communities, proving that resilience can lead to new beginnings and meaningful contributions.

Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, Masoma study English Language and Literature. She worked for the Independent Election Commission, British Council Afghanistan and had just begun studying to be a Doctor when the Taliban took control in 2021. Determined to rebuild her life Masoma has been deeply engaged in community support and advocacy. One of her most impactful learning experiences was the Leadership Course delivered by IRC. Masoma has played key roles in supporting Ukrainians, Afghans, Syrians and Iraqis in her local community, and volunteering with organisations to support refugees and asylum seekers, including serving as a Sanctuary Ambassador with her local council. 

Jawid is a volunteer member of the Community Advisory Board (CAB) from Afghanistan, deeply committed to advancing education and fostering community development through research, advocacy, and educational initiatives. He holds a master’s degree in education from the University of Exeter and is currently working as a research assistant at the University of Leeds. In addition to his academic and professional pursuits, Jawid actively contributes to supporting education for women in Afghanistan through volunteer work. He also collaborates with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to promote inclusive education and drive social change.


Ayman arrived in the UK in 2019 as a refugee. Since then, he has volunteered with local organisations such as Mustard Tree in Manchester to improve his English language skills. At Mustard Tree, he assisted asylum seekers, particularly those who spoke Arabic, from 2019 to 2024. During this time, he attended Manchester College, where he completed his ESOL and obtained a Level 3 qualification in Business Higher Education. Additionally, he took various courses in the UK to develop his skills and better integrate into British society, including a valuable leadership course at the IRC. In 2024, I was accepted into the Aviation Academy at Leeds Bradford Airport. He is currently studying aviation with a focus on pilot studies and have applied to volunteer as an ambassador at Bradford Airport.

He has a big dream of becoming a pilot, and works hard every single day to make significant changes in his life and engage with the British community.
 

Learn more about the IRC's work in the UK

Learn more about how we are shaping refugee support together with refugees