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EditorSwansea’s African Community Centre shines at Welsh Charity Awards
From Zumba classes to food banks, Mojisola’s work earns top honour
Mojisola Olateju was named Volunteer of the Year for her tireless work supporting women and families from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. She runs women‑only Zumba classes attended by more than 40 women, coordinates a food bank serving over 500 families, and provides weekly childcare so that more than 50 mothers can attend English classes.
Accepting her award, Mojisola explained that her women‑only Zumba sessions are less about fitness goals and more about breaking isolation.
“I let them know that it’s not about losing weight – it’s about coming together, interacting, strengthening our muscles, and taking people away from isolation. We’re able to talk together and be there for each other.”
Young volunteer makes daily journey to welcome newcomers
17‑year‑old David Uche Iyamu, also from the African Community Centre, was runner‑up in the Young Volunteer of the Year category. Despite living 12 miles away, he makes a daily round trip to Swansea to welcome newcomers — often asylum seekers and refugees — with empathy and warmth.
He said:
“Being nominated is an incredible honour. Regardless of the outcome, it’s a win to be recognised among such talented peers.”
Volunteer of the Year winner Mojisola Olateju with fellow African Community Centre volunteer and Young Volunteer of the Year runner‑up David Uche Iyamu at the Welsh Charity Awards 2025.(Image: Welsh Charity Awards)
A centre at the heart of Swansea’s multicultural story
Founded in 2003 by Mrs Uzo Iwobi OBE, the African Community Centre has grown from a grassroots idea into a registered charity serving communities across Wales. While rooted in supporting African and African Caribbean people, it has become a place where people of all cultures can find a welcome and a listening ear.
The centre runs English classes, youth projects, cultural workshops, volunteering opportunities and even a unique Asylum Seekers Community Transport scheme. It describes itself as “a major force in making Swansea the wonderfully diverse multicultural city which it is today.”
National leaders praise volunteers’ impact
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Jane Hutt praised the “extraordinary dedication and impact” of volunteers across Wales, while WCVA Chief Executive Lindsay Cordery‑Bruce described the winners as “the people holding our nation together, with kindness, volunteering, inclusion and unwavering helpfulness.”
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Howard Lake[ad] “We now have a name-blind recruitment screening, introduced around 18 months ago – we also actively encourage #BAME candidates to apply in all our job adverts” – Hear from @Barnardos on how your charity can be more inclusive at #FF20.
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Prof. Joy Y. ZhangWe are hosting the #EASST4S2024 open panel Public Participation and Health Equality in Future Biobanking
Link: https://nomadit.co.uk/conference/easst-4s2024/p/14203
This is where art, bioscience and sociology meet!
Send us your ideas by 12 Feb. We welcome research papers, visual and interactive exhibits.
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P157: Public Participation and Health Equality in Future Biobanking
Persistent difficulty engaging minorities in biobanking necessitates methodological innovations and a recalibration of priorities. Our panel welcomes research papers, visual exhibits, and creative demonstrations for broader public involvement in advancing biobanks as a catalyst for health equity.
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Download full report (PDF): https://lewisham.gov.uk/-/media/london-borough-of-lewisham-2023-final.ashx