A student volunteering to help Afghan families integrate into life in this country is one of many who have been nominated for a Harrow’s Heroes 2014 award .
Husna Ahmed, 19, began volunteering last year at the Afghan Association Of London, based in Lyon Road, Harrow, and helps by interpreting for people who speak Pashto or Dari and struggle to communicate in English.
The former Rooks Heath College student, who lives in Sumner Road, West Harrow, is hoping to attend university after this summer.
She said: “It began when my teachers were asking me to help out translating for students who don’t fully speak English.
“I’ve wanted to do social care so helping there has been a really good experience.
“It can be really hard work, and some of the cases there are very serious so it can be quite emotional, but it is very rewarding work.”
Husna’s parents are Afghani emigrants and she was born in Britain but grew up speaking Pashto and Dari.
Nominated in the young volunteer category, Husna is one of many volunteers that will be recognised for their selfless work at the Harrow’s Heroes 2014 ceremony, to be held in November at the Harrow Arts Centre in Uxbridge Road, Hatch End.
It is not too late to nominate your local hero, with the deadline closing on August 18.
The categories are:
- Young volunteer
- Bringing people together
- Inspiring volunteer
- Health and wellbeing
- Lifelong volunteer
- Volunteer team
One of the judges, Councillor Sue Anderson (Labour), the council’s cabinet member for community and culture and resident engagement, said: “With just under two weeks to go, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
“Every year we receive many fantastic and inspiring nominations for each of the categories.
“Resident engagement and volunteering is a key priority this administration. We know that our volunteers work extremely hard making many positive differences to the lives and wellbeing of their community so we want to make sure they get the recognition they deserve.
“Nominating someone only takes a few minutes, so don’t let anyone go unrecognised this year.”
You can nominate online at: www.getwestlondon.co.uk/harrowheroes.
