Meet our staff:

Founder & Director Mohamed Ahmed truly embodies the values of ESDEG.
Seeing the disparity in society, Mohammed realised Somali children were struggling in school and consistently underachieving, so in 2005, in an effort to bridge the attainment gap, he set-up an after-school homework club with a couple of like-minded colleagues.

Almost two decades later, the organisation has grown to provide a multitude of services and support network, not only to the Somali community but also to all disadvantaged and vulnerable members of the communities of West London.

Combined with his dedication, sector knowledge and his quiet confidence, Mohamed’s’ warm character have allowed ESDEG to grow steadily since it’s inception.
Having witnessed impact of his work for the last 30 years, Mohamed’s vision to empower the local community whilst inspiring children to fulfil their potential is a strong as ever.

Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Ilham Abdi joins the ESDEG team to take charge of Administration and Accounts. As a technically minded Accounting graduate (BSc in Accounting and Finance) working towards becoming an ACCA member, she has become a genuine asset as we continue to expand and diligent process management becomes even more vital.

In addition to her experience of bookkeeping, payroll activities, VAT return prep, client records and accounting software, Ilham has also been involved with charity work in a personal capacity. One of her achievements was the fundraising for Spot Project, contributing towards building schools, learning centres and an Orphanage in Africa.

Ilham loves going to the gym and spending her spare times in the outdoors.

With a degree in Culture Studies, a Masters in Media Policy and having worked within the voluntary sector for over 18 years, Rahma Elmi is a genuine powerhouse.
Her extensive experience includes consulting for Local Authorities, governmental departments, schools and community-led organisations..
She has a strong track record of project delivery, capacity building, policy research, strategy research, working in cross-sector partnerships and encouraging collaboration & community engagement.
Rahma looks to go beyond expectations to effectively serve the needs of the local community.
She thrives on the frontline, enjoying hands-on delivery with tangible impact.
She devotes her time to empowering women to seek work & education, bridging the attainment gap in mainstream schools, and tackling isolation experienced by the elderly.
Rahma sits on partnership boards like Ealing Community Network (ECN) to represent the wider voice of the sector.
Her Mother is her hero.

With a background in STEM, holding a host of qualifications and having previously taught engineering, Ahmed brings a strong academic skill set. Ahmed initially joined ESDEG as a volunteer tutor however his role has evolved considerably over the years and now is invaluable as Fundraising Manager.
Mentoring work continues to be his passion, hosting regular workshops focused on building resilience, self-esteem, developing aspirations, encouraging creativity.
Ahmed is keen on:
-tackling school exclusions and underachievement
-diverting children away from violence and anti-social behaviour.
-empowering young people facing complex inter-sectional barriers to transform their futures and reach for the stars.
-boosting women’s inclusion and leadership in STEM careers.
Outside of work he enjoys playing (but often losing!) Fifa with his children.

SEND Manager, Nasteha LLB LLM is another superstar among the ranks. An experience Paralegal and Trainee Barrister with an impressive educational in law, Nasteha has the relevant capabilities to assist families at tribunals.
At ESDEG, she helps families navigate through the complex SEND system.
Her responsibilities range from assisting parents in the often-lengthy process of getting their child diagnosed, accompanying parents to meetings at schools, assisting in tribunals,
as well as form filling, chasing matters on their behalf and even resolving housing issues.
Understanding the further challenges faced by parents from a migrant background such as the language barrier, Nasteha takes care of otherwise impossible tasks.

Our in-house qualified Integrative Therapist Roda is BACP registered and has over a decade of experience working with a wide range of clients.
Roda’s areas of expertise include: PTSD – Depression – Stress – Anxiety – Anger Management – Bereavement – change in life circumstances – refugee/Trafficking related trauma- Domestic Violence – Panic Attacks – self-esteem/self-confidence issues and self-development coaching.

Her role with ESDEG primarily focuses on children with special educational needs and learning disabilities (SEND) and their families.
Her motivation is simply to change clients lives for the better.

Suchi studied International Politics specialising in Human Rights which laid the groundwork for a career working with refugees, victims of trafficking, survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and disadvantaged children.

Working in various capacities in the international development sector, including as Communications & Policy Officer, Project Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, and Fundraiser, Suchi has both the grassroots level and donor organisations experience.

Her role at ESDEG utilises that experience perfectly as she works in close coordination with the project teams to help disadvantaged children and their families developing resources and implementing enhanced communication content.

Our SEND Support Worker Huma came from a background in customer service before moving to the voluntary sector.

Passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals with special educational needs and disabilities, Huma gained qualifications to better understand the different aspects of SEND, including the symptoms of specific conditions, the current legislation, and how these affect individuals in daily life. Able to support and advocate for families who have children with additional needs, Huma also gained certification as a Parent Carer Champion.

She has a joie de vivre and outside of work, enjoys traveling abroad with her family, watching films, shopping and days out!

Name: Iman Hassan

As a professional sports coach, Iman brings the energy and motivation to the squad.
Qualified in Spots Development & Coaching, Iman not only instructs the fitness classes but also acts as a Youth Mentor.
Sharing the values of ESDEG, Iman has also been involved in fundraising and in a personal capacity achieving an impressive £2500 for challenges abroad for vulnerable students in Cambodia.
Naturally, Iman spends time outside of work in sports specifically football and basketball.

Iman’s favourite quote: “It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting”
The alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Name: Muna Hassan Abdi Tahir

Role:

Supplementary Schools Coordinator

Working Hours: 5 to 7 pm Mondays, Wednesday, Thursdays and Fridays

Languages spoken: Arabic, Somali and English.

Born in Hargeisa and raised in Saudi Arabia, Muna Hassan Abdi has a rich cultural background that has shaped her educational journey and professional career. Her diverse upbringing has given her a unique perspective on education, allowing her to connect with students and parents from various cultural backgrounds.

Muna holds a BA (Hons) in Islamic Studies and Information Technology, blending her passion for religious studies with a strong foundation in modern technology. Additionally, she has earned a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, showcasing her commitment to providing high-quality educational support.

Muna’s dedication to education is evident in her long-standing service of over two decades in primary schools that have been consistently ranked as outstanding or good with outstanding features by inspection authorities. Her roles have spanned from teaching to serving as a parent school governor and a staff governor, reflecting her deep-rooted commitment to enhancing the educational environment and governance of schools.

Helping disadvantaged children and supporting children to achieve their best potential is the driving factor of her work. Outside of the classroom, she is passionate about travelling and gardening

Name: Abdul Olaniran

Role: Project Officer

Bio: As an energetic and dedicated professional, I bring with me 5 years of valuable experience in the customer service industry. With an approachable and amiable demeanour, I constantly strive to infuse enthusiasm and positive vibes into my workplace. In addition to my commitment to exceptional customer service, I have a history of consistent charity and volunteering efforts dating back to 2019. My involvement included organizing charity football matches, embarking on 11- mile hikes, and contributing to food donations. These experiences have not only reinforced my empathetic and passionate nature but have also broadened my horizons, nurturing a deep curiosity to continually expand my knowledge and skills. My goal is to provide customers with a one-of-a-kind in-store experience, reflecting my dedication to both exceptional service and making a positive impact on the community through charitable endeavours.

Education/Qualification: BSc International Business Management

Other interests/causes: Sport, Film/TV, Rare Trainers

Fun fact: I want to learn Japanese and British Sign Language

Working Hours: Tuesday and Thursdays 9am-5pm

Languages spoken: English, Yoruba

 Name: Hodo Elmi

Elderly Project Co-ordinator

Working Hours Tuesdays and  Thursdays 9 am- 2pm

I run the Refugee Elderly Lunch Club every week. Our target group, the elderly refugee community, are rather isolated due to language and cultural barriers. The aim of this project is to cater to the needs and mental wellbeing of the elderly and lessen their isolation.

I host the weekly drop-in sessions where the elderly socialise with each other, participate in gentle exercise classes led by a professional and gather together to eat a home-cooked meal. Apart from that I also advise on the welfare and other benefits available to them and how to access these and at times accompany the elders on their hospital visits/GP appointments.

 Name: Rahma Guled Elmi

Youth worker in Northolt High School. Supporting students with mental health, mentoring and promoting wellbeing in schools for the last 14 years.

Passionate about empowering young individuals, Rahma is a dedicated youth worker and tutor committed to fostering positive development. With a genuine enthusiasm for helping youth navigate challenges, Rahma Elmi employs a supportive and encouraging approach. As a tutor, they bring creativity and adaptability to the learning environment, ensuring each student receives personalized attention.

Rahma strives to instil a sense of confidence and motivation in their students, contributing to their academic success and overall well-being.