Dr Suhir Abuhajar has lived in Lancaster for nearly 20 years and has a PhD in Biomedical Physics from Lancaster University.
Among her various charitable projects, Suhir established a community school, dear to her heart, named after her deceased daughter Naba. The Naba Arabic school for learning and community work (NAS) is a social enterprise organisation which delivers social and educational activities in Lancaster and neighbouring areas, particularly for Arab community members to both assert their culture and values, and assist integration into the local community.
Programmes include teaching Arabic as a second language to adults and children, an emopowering program for young women aged 11-18, a story and song program for preschool children at Lancaster Library, and a monthly community gathering which is open to all families in Lancaster. At every Eid celebration, NAS organises a big Party attended by people from all communities.
During the month of Ramadan, Naba catered for around 100 refugees and asylum seekers – both Muslims and non-Muslims – daily.
Suhir is also Vice Chair of the Communities Together group in Lancaster City Council and one of the founders and trustees of Ansaar group, a charity founded to present all Muslim organisations in Lancaster.
Dr Abuhajar was elected to Lancaster City Council representing John O’Gaunt in 2023, and aims to help residents by working hard for them and addressing their concerns and issues.
To contact Cllr Abuhajar, email: sabuhajar@lancaster.gov.uk