Students and foster carer recognised in awards ceremony
Six students from Ealing and Acton who excelled at school and a woman who had been a foster carer for 10 years were celebrated at the Somali Achievement Awards on Saturday, 12 December.
Ealing Council sponsored two of the award categories at the event held in Greenford Hall by the Horn of Africa Youth Association to celebrate achievements in the UK's Somali community.
Six students from Dormers Wells and Featherstone High Schools in Southall and Acton High School received awards for academic excellence in their exams from cabinet member for children and young people, Councillor Binda Rai.
Councillor Rai said: "Congratulations to the award winners, especially the young people from schools in our borough who have done so well and are fantastic role models.
"I would also like to thank Amina Robleh who is a wonderful example of how foster carers can transform the lives of children and young people. We always need people like Amina and I hope that her story will inspire others to become foster carers."
Among the students was Ifrah Mohamed, former Featherstone High student who got three A grades at A level and an AS level, who is now studying to be a dentist.
Abdirahman Beyle from Featherstone is now studying economics at Surrey University after excellent A level results.
Ikra Mohamed from Featherstone also received an award following success at GCSEs.
Khalif Jama mentored younger students at Dormers Wells and is now studying at Warwick University.
Awards also went to former Dormers Well student, Ali Farah and Sahra Roble who was described by her former teacher at Acton High School as a ' strong, motivated and exceptional young woman" who is a role model to other Somali females.
Foster carer Amina was presented with her award by Councillor Rai. Amina was determined to get the best education for three siblings she fostered and found extra support and tuition for them. The proud foster carer recently saw one of her foster children begin his studies at a leading London university.
Ealing Council leader Julian Bell also spoke at the ceremony.
Amina said: "I am so proud of his achievements, getting into a top university, passing his driving test and securing a job. Fostering wasn't easy at first, but the support from Ealing has been great and it has given me so much experience."
Ealing Council holds monthly information sessions for people interested in fostering. The next session will be held in Ealing Town Hall on Monday, 11 January from 11am to 1pm. For more information on fostering or to receive an information pack contact the fostering and adoption service on 0800 731 6550 or email fosteradopt@ealing.gov.uk
December 18th 2015