Basketball Academy player Abdi Adam and College Physio Nader Farhead.
A Somalian refugee will be among a group of students supporting Comic Relief in a charity basketball match against college staff to raise funds for the charity.
The fifth oldest of 11 children, Abdi Adam and his family fled the war torn East African country as refugees when he was just 11 years old.
They arrived in the UK in February 2011 and the ongoing civil war is anything but a distant memory for The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) student.
“My family came to this country about six years ago to have a better life,” said Adbi, who is now 17 and studying Construction at the College.
“Back home there is nothing good going on, which is one of the reasons my dad brought us here. The war was very scary. Here you don’t have to worry about being attacked or being killed.”
Somalia is now also among several East African nations gripped by famine, which has seen more than 100 people die from starvation. Comic Relief announced this month it was investing £1 million in the region, including Somalia.
“It’s really sad to see my country like that, and see people on the news who are starving and dying every day. I feel very lucky to be here, getting a good education and a good future.”
At a towering 6ft 8ins tall there was only ever going to be one sport for Abdi.
“I have been playing basketball on and off since I came to this country. Football was my first sport, but about a year and a half ago I started taking basketball more seriously and when I came to the College I joined the Basketball Academy,” he said.
“The facilities are very good and coaches have played professionally and have a lot of knowledge and experience about the game, and I am really enjoying playing here.”
Abdi, who is a fan of the New York Knicks and lists legendary Chicago Bulls’ player Michael Jordan among his heroes, was pleased to be supporting Comic Relief.
“Many people in Somalia do not have much, so it’s nice to know there are people who care about what is happening out there and are raising money,” he said.
“I am looking forward to the match. It will be fun to be up against the staff, and support the charity as well.”