KEY PEOPLE
Our Board of Trustees
IBRAHIM BARRY
SHUAIB MEER
MOHAMMED JAMA
Chair
Born and raised in The Gambia, I left the country aged 18 and lived in Europe before settling in London, in 2004. After moving to Lewisham in 2014, I formed close links with our local mosque and became very involved in community programs such as feeding the homeless and volunteering for Ramadan Iftar amongst many others. After hearing about the madrasa building in Kuloro, I was keen to get involved and give back to the village I have close family ties with. My hope is to continue to build on this foundation, raising support for those that need it most whilst continuing to increase the advancement of Islamic education in The Gambia and around the world, In Shaa Allāh.
Treasurer
Born and raised in Lewisham, I have been blessed to witness the Lewisham community grow and thrive through the practice and implementation of Islam. It is the guidance that Allah has given to us and the practice of the prophet Muhammed SAW that is the masterpiece for success and Lewisham Islamic Centre is a testament to this.
Similarly, it should be all of our aim to create strong and unified communities. The aim is to educate future generations, firstly in Gambia and god-willing other parts of the world, and also aid them with the necessities for their well-being.
Secretary
I'm a Londoner born and raised. Growing up in a Muslim family, Islam has always been an important part of my life and has shaped my values and work ethic. I've always been a bit of a go-getter and after finishing school and an apprenticeship, I knew I wanted to do something that would make a difference in my community. That's why I've been working at a charity for over 4 years now. Alhamdulillah I’ve been blessed to have gained a lot of knowledge and experience. With this, I plan to build Ummah Wahidah Foundation.
We are focused on promoting prosperity, inspiration, community cohesion and knowledge - values that are important and align with what we feel will nurture those in need. It's a big challenge but I'm excited to make a real impact on people's lives and bring these values to life.
LAMIN JALLOH
Accountant
Born in Sierra Leone and was there when the war started in 1991. We fled across the border to Guinea and lived in a refugee camp. A lot of people especially children that lived with us in the camp died from hunger and malnutrition.
I was among those students that attended the refugee school that was hastily started whilst hoping and praying that the war will end soon for us to return back to our normal lives and go back to normal schools. It was here that I learnt that our noble Prophet - peace be upon him - also fled from Makkah to seek refuge in Madinah. This was my inspiration.
Reflecting back on those important lessons learned back then in that refugee camp, I feel that it is time to give back something to those children that are suffering because they are orphans and have lost all hope.
I joined Ummah Wahidah because I feel this charity embodies what I am looking for which is to give the right Knowledge, grow and live in a Community and to Inspire those children so that they can Prosper in life. Give them HOPE and teach them important life skills so that they can become doctors, engineers, lawyers, technicians etc and above all become better leaders of tomorrow that will be kind to all humanity regardless of where they come from or the colour of their skin.
YAHYA BARRY
Consultant
A Madinah graduate and formerly Imam of Edinburgh Central Mosque. I'm a corporate leader with 10 years of experience producing impactful knowledge and effectively engaging a broad range of stakeholders. A people-oriented, communicative and ambitious professional with research expertise in EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) and disadvantaged and marginalised groups.
With expertise in ethnic relations, cultural dialogue and social change, I have provided consultation to the BBC Religion & Ethics Board from 2016 and regularly contribute to BBC Radio Scotland's programmes. An expert witness in Islamic law, I am consulted by Scottish authorities. From 2021 to 2025, I am appointed by the Scottish Government Ministers to serve the Board of Creative Scotland.