I initially came to the UK in 1985 to stay with my uncle and study. After the first 2 years of my education, the war in Somalia broke out; the situation was deteriorating and getting worse by the day and I couldn't return to my homeland and families. I chose to seek sanctuary and settle here in the UK.

I began a career in housing with Sheffield Council, also studying Housing Studies at Sheffield Hallam University, and this role lasted for nine years. Afterwards I continued to work in the voluntary and private sectors for about ten years and was able to set up various companies that delivered programmes in the community such as transport training, child care and re-settlement programmes for the newly arrived.

My wife worked as a support teacher at Abbeydale Grange Secondary School for ten years, assisting newly arrived students. We have a family of four young children.

I believe that immigrants and refugees have contributed enormously positively to Sheffield in many ways, playing an active role in shaping the development and life of Sheffield, as well as bringing new ideas, skills, knowledge and enriching the diversity of Sheffield.

At home in Shirecliffe