What We Do
Empowering Somali, Arabic-speaking, and migrant communities in London through multilingual digital skills training, advocacy, and community support.
Why Our Work Matters
Digital exclusion is one of the UK’s most pressing inequalities. According to the Digital Poverty Alliance, Lloyds Bank Consumer Digital Index, and the Minimum Digital Living Standard project, up to 19 million people in the UK are affected by digital exclusion.
7.9M
Adults lack basic skills like using email or secure passwords.
19M
People in the UK are currently affected by digital exclusion.
3.7M
Families cannot afford the devices or data needed for a modern living standard.
1.6M
Adults have no access to a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
Who Is Most Affected
Research shows that digital exclusion disproportionately impacts:
- Older adults — 77% of those with no basic skills are over 65.
- People with disabilities — 69% report exclusion.
- Low-income households and migrant communities, who face compounded barriers of affordability and language.
Ethnic Minority Women & Young People
A systematic review of migrant women in the UK found that they face unique digital divides, with barriers including language, cost, and lack of culturally sensitive training
Studies highlight that ethnic minority women are less likely to access digital skills programmes, often due to childcare responsibilities, cultural expectations, and limited outreach.
Young people from migrant and low-income backgrounds are at risk of being excluded from digital opportunities in education and employment, despite being “digital natives” in other contexts.
The PRIME study (Heriot-Watt University, 2025) warns that rapid digitisation of essential services is deepening inequalities for minoritised ethnic communities, especially women navigating healthcare and housing systems online.
Why Fabdi Exists
For Somali, Arabic-speaking, and migrant communities in London, these national statistics are lived realities. Women and young people in particular face a “double disadvantage” — excluded by both language barriers and digital poverty.
Fabdi Digital Centre exists to dismantle these barriers. We provide multilingual, culturally sensitive training and advocacy, ensuring that women and youth gain the skills, confidence, and access they need to thrive in modern society.
What Makes Us Different
We Speak Your Language
Services and classes in Somali, Arabic, and English.
A Safe Space for Women
Women-only sessions in a supportive environment.
More Than Just Lessons
Digital skills plus practical help with benefits, healthcare, and housing.
For the Community, By the Community
As a non-profit CIC, every resource is reinvested back into supporting you.
Our Services
Digital exclusion is one of the UK’s most pressing inequalities. According to the Digital Poverty Alliance, Lloyds Bank Consumer Digital Index, and the Minimum Digital Living Standard project, up to 19 million people in the UK are affected by digital exclusion.
Essential Digital Skills
Build confidence with everyday technology in a supportive environment.
- Using computers & smartphones
- Email & online forms
- Online safety
- Accessing NHS & Council services
Perfect For
Adults with little or no digital experience.
Women’s Digital Empowerment
A safe, culturally sensitive space for women to build skills and confidence.
- Skills for daily life & work
- Confidence-building workshops
- CV & job application support
- • Leadership development
Perfect For
Somali, Arabic-speaking, and migrant women.
Youth Tech & Creativity
Inspiring the next generation through tech and digital exploration.
- Coding & digital storytelling
- Graphic design & media
- Online safety & wellbeing
- Leadership development
Perfect For
Young people aged 12–18.
Digital Wellbeing & Support
Staying connected, healthy, and informed through digital literacy.
- Using NHS apps
- Online financial literacy
- Accessing benefits/services
- Staying connected with family
Perfect For
Anyone wanting to improve their digital wellbeing.
Employment & Skills Pathway
Targeted support to help you move into work or training.
- CV & cover letter support
- Job search & interview skills
- Digital workplace tools
- 1-to-1 coaching & mentoring
Perfect For
Adults seeking employment or a career change.
Community Digital Drop-In
Free, friendly help with any digital task — no appointment needed.
- Setting up new devices
- Filling in online forms
- Accessing email/accounts
- Troubleshooting digital issues
Perfect For
Anyone needing quick, practical help.
Our Values
Digital exclusion is one of the UK’s most pressing inequalities. According to the Digital Poverty Alliance, Lloyds Bank Consumer Digital Index, and the Minimum Digital Living Standard project, up to 19 million people in the UK are affected by digital exclusion.
Empowerment
Tools and Confidence for long-term Independence
Inclusion
Everyone is welcome and no one is judged
Trust
A safe confidential and reliable resources
Community
We believe in the power of lifting each other up