A-grade students and a woman who has been a foster carer for 10 years were celebrated at the Somali Achievement Awards in Ealing on Saturday (December 11).

The awards, two of which were sponsored by Ealing Council, were held in Greenford Hall by the Horn of Africa Youth Association to celebrate achievement in the UK's Somali community.

Celebrated students from Dormers Wells and Fetherstone School, Southall , Acton High, Acton, were presented with awards for academic excellence in their exams by Councillor Binda Rai, council cabinet member for children and young people.

Councillor Rai congratulated the students “who have done so well and are fantastic role models.”

She also thanked foster carer Amina Robleh “who is a wonderful example of how foster carers can transform the lives of children and young people."

She added: "We always need people like Amina and I hope that her story will inspire others to become foster carers."

Ms. Robleh was determined to get the best education for three siblings whom she fostered and found extra support and tuition for.

She recently saw one of her foster children begin his studies at a leading London university.

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."

Among the awarded students was Ifrah Mohamed, former Featherstone High student who achieved three A grades at A level, and is now studying to be a dentist.

Abdirahman Beyle, also from Featherstone, is now studying economics at Surrey University after excellent A level results.

Khalif Jama mentored younger students at Dormers Wells and is now studying at Warwick University.

Ikra Mohamed from Featherstone also received an award following success at GCSEs.

Awards also went to former Dormers Well student Ali Farah, and Acton High student Sahra Roble who was described by a teacher at the school as a “strong, motivated and exceptional young woman" and a role model to other Somali females.

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.