Take care to reward success

HILLINGDON COUNCIL CELEBRATES KIDS WHO HAVE BEEN PART OF CARE SYSTEM

HILLINGDON Council celebrated the achievements of children who have been cared for by the council at a prestigious awards evening.

The Children in Care awards were held on Friday November 17 at the Sofitel near Heathrow Airport and recognised the great achievements of those still in care as well as those who have moved on.

The event was designed and planned by young people and there were 198 nominees at the Kids in Care Awards (KICA) ceremony.

The crowd heard the story of Mohammed Saeed Ali, who came to Hillingdon from Somalia alone at the age of 16 and is now studying for a mathematics degree at Kingston University.

Mohammed said: “When I first heard that I was nominated for a KICA award in education I couldn’t be more happy and proud of myself.

“I came to the UK at the age of 16 from Somalia. There has been civil war there, and my parents wanted to get me out so I would be safe. “When you first go into care it can be traumatic, and the most difficult thing for me was seeing other kids in college with their parents at the end of classes, which always reminded me of my mum. “When you are in care you start living as an adult straight away, whereas most children will still have their parents to do things for them. “I had couple of really good social workers and they were all so helpful in assisting me with advice. I’m now excited for my future.” Councillor David Simmonds, cabinet member for education and children’s services, said: “This year’s Kids in Care Awards have been so inspirational and shows that, with the right support, young people in Hillingdon can achieve anything they put their mind to. “We are so proud of all the children who come into our care, and we will continue to ensure that all young people across the borough have the opportunities and guidance to reach their full potential.”

With the right support young people can achieve anything they put their mind to