A woman who moved to Glasgow is turning her experience of taking the citizenship test into a fundraising effort for a city refugee charity.
Malena Roche, who hails from Argentina, is looking to raise £1,700 for Refuweegee - the same amount it costs to become a UK citizen. Malena, 36, moved to Glasgow over six years ago with her Scottish partner, and is sitting her UK citizenship exam on February 16. 2026.
The Buenos Aries native is now hoping to repay the kindness she experienced when she moved to Glasgow by raising money for a deserving charity she has since volunteered with herself.
Malena said: “As I prepare to sit my UK citizenship exam on February 16, I'm turning a personal milestone into an opportunity to give back to the city that welcomed me with open arms.
“Six years ago, I moved to Glasgow from Argentina with my Scottish partner, and the warmth I received from this community changed my life.
"Now, rather than simply paying the £1,700 citizenship fee, I'm fundraising that exact amount to donate to Refuweegee - a Glasgow-based charity I've volunteered with that supports refugees settling into our city."
She added: “With ongoing conversations about immigration and integration, the work of Refuweegee showcases the positive ripple effect of making people feel welcome.
"Glasgow's welcoming spirit inspired this fundraising challenge, and hopefully that same spirit can see others support the fantastic work that Refuweegee does.”
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Malena has already raise £1,000, with the hope being that the £1,700 can be met by February 16.
You can support Malena’s fundraiser, by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/page/malena-roche-3
Refuweegee is a community-led charity who welcomes and supports those who have been forced to flee their homes in true weegie style.
For more information on Refuweegee, visit https://www.refuweegee.co.uk/
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