Mother of teenager murdered in Luton to set up educational projects
Through the Ashraf Habimana Foundation, Fiona Namusoke is hoping to contribute to the reduction in knife violence
Last updated 11th Nov 2024
The mother of a 16-year-old who was murdered in Luton has launched a community foundation dedicated to raising awareness of knife crime in Bedfordshire.
Inspired by the desire to prevent similar tragedies, it primarily aims to educate teenagers on the dangers of carrying knives, with a long-term goal of creating safe spaces for youth which would include a range of activities, as well as mental health support.
Fiona Namusoke chose to name it the Ashraf Habimana Foundation, in honour of her son's memory.
On September 29, 2023, Fiona received a text from her son Ashraf asking her to pick him up from college.
She was minutes away from her son when his life was taken away by two teenagers, Athif and Althaf Hussaindeen, who were jailed for their involvement in his murder.
Speaking to Greatest hits Radio, she said: "He texted me and said 'Mum, would you come and pick me up?' and as I was on my way to pick him up when I got a phone call that he was stabbed.
"Justice was served, but it won’t bring Ashraf back. I know they got some years to serve, but again that will not bring my baby back.
"But me and my friends formed a Foundation which we think would bring good to the community.
"It will help other children, other teenagers who are even thinking about moving with knives, walking with knives. It will give them something to learn. And to give them awarenes.
"The pain I have, I would rather use it for good."
The Foundation’s initiatives will include school outreach programmes to discuss the impact of knife crime, beginning with assemblies for high school and college students.
Katherine Varney, who sits on the Board of the Foundation, said: "We need to have knife crime awareness in schools.
"From Year 6, when they start receiving other crucial education, they should also learn about the risks of knife crime."
While Bedfordshire Police have implemented programmes, such as the “Just Drop It” campaign to discourage carrying knives, Fiona and Katherine believe more needs to be done to reach young people directly, starting in schools.
Their initiative also focuses on addressing the lack of recreational spaces for young people.
“In the long run, we want to create safe spaces for them to do activities, have people to talk to, and things like that,” Katherine added.
"There’s nothing for anyone to do here; they’re just bored, and that boredom can lead to trouble."
The Foundation envisions safe gathering places where young people can participate in activities like basketball or pool, under supervision, and away from the dangers of the streets.
With a goal of raising £5,000 to kickstart the Foundation’s work, they are actively reaching out to local schools and organising community events.
You can find the fundraiser here.