Meet Amdani Juma: Red Cross Volunteer, Refugee and Batonbearer

• Came to the UK from Rwanda following the Rwandan genocide.
• Set up his own HIV awareness project called African Insitute for Social Development offering health services and support to refugees and people with HIV.
• Inspired by the London 2012 Olympics, Amdani set up Nottingham Sports Group, geared towards making sport accessible for all.

With the help of the British Red Cross, Amdani Juma arrived in the UK following the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Inspired by the support he received, Amdani started volunteering for the British Red Cross, trained to become a first aider and began working with refugees and people who are HIV positive. 

In 2007, he set up his own HIV awareness project called African Institute for Social Development which offers health services and support. The project gained interest from Prince Harry who was impressed by the methods of engagement used to support African men, women, and small businesses.  

In 2013, inspired by the London 2012 Olympics, Amdani set up Nottingham Sports Group, geared towards making sports accessible, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Following this, in 2014, Amdani set up Sanctuary Nottingham. The idea for the self-help group for LGBTQ+ refugees was born after learning about asylum seekers from South Asia who had experienced abuse. 

Since 2014, Sanctuary Nottingham has helped 22 people gain their legal right to remain in the UK. Amdani also works in cooperation with Nottingham City Council, NHS and police network in Nottingham to offer support.  

Amdani finds his work hugely rewarding, especially when he sees people he has supported, working in secure jobs and enjoys celebrating their success. He is delighted to join in with the annual Rainbow Nottinghamshire festivities and is proud to introduce LGBTQ+ people seeking asylum to the support networks that exist. 

Amdani has been chosen as a Batonbearer as he is a figure of inspiration that positively challenges others to achieve their best.