UK: Somali community volunteer awarded by Prime Ministe

An inspiring community volunteer who mentors and supports women with the Somali Bravanese Welfare Association and led community action to raise £1.1 million to rebuild the Association’s hall, after it burnt down in a suspected racist arson attack, has been named a Point of Light by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Asma Mohamed Ali, from Barnet in North London, has volunteered for more than 20 years, 6 days a week coordinating the women and youth programmes. She has now built a thriving centre and education programme that supports 200 students and their families. Despite being a mother of five Asma runs classes in English, maths and science and has seen many of her students become doctors and other professionals.

Asma, 33, is the latest recipient of a Point of Light award, which recognises outstanding individual volunteers, people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others. Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.

Prime Minister David Cameron said:

“Asma’s hardwork and determination to support others is an inspiration to us all. Her work to help people gain confidence and improve their skills has already changed the lives of so many people in our capital city. I’m delighted to recognise her service with the UK’s 346th Points of Light award.”
Growing up in the UK Asma saw many people in her community struggling with language barriers to support their children with schoolwork. She wanted to make a change and decided to volunteer to help other young people and their parents. The programmes Asma now runs are a core part of the Association’s work to advance education by providing classes and leisure activities.

Asma is the 336th winner of the Points of Light award which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA and was first established by President George H. W. Bush. Over 5,000 US Points of Light have been awarded and both President George H. W. Bush and President Barack Obama have publicly supported the partnership with Points of Light UK which honours shining examples of volunteering across the country.

Regardless of whether it’s a doctor restoring local monuments in her free time, a father teaching young people life skills, or a local musician giving a voice to lonely people, the Point of Light award honours shining examples of volunteering across the UK.

Asma said of being awarded a Point of Light: “Thank you Prime Minister for this incredible award! I am greatly humbled and honoured to be presented this award as the 336th winner of the Points of Light award. I have never dreamed or imagined to receive this award in my life.”