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04 May 2021

King's student named a finalist for 'Activist of the Year' Award

Pharmacology student Karim Ali recognised at TARGETjobs Undergraduate of the Year Awards

Karim Ali

Karim Ali, who is completing an integrated master’s in Pharmacology, has been recognised for his work supporting mutual aid groups to tackle food poverty throughout the COVID-19 pandemic at the TARGETjobs Undergraduate of the Year Awards.

With over 5,000 students applying for this year’s awards, Karim was up against impressive competition for the ‘Young Activist Undergraduate of the Year Award 2021’ with Clifford Chance. While Karim did not win the award, this achievement acknowledges Karim’s role in co-developing the innovative Funnel Support Network in order to help solve the challenge of food insecurity in King’s local communities.

The process of applying for this award provided a great opportunity to reflect on the success of the last year and all of the amazing people who it would not have been possible without. Having made it to the top 1% of contenders has reaffirmed my confidence in the work which my team and I are doing. I hope those following our story will understand the role we can all play in fighting food insecurity, whether that’s lugging food across the city or deciding how our businesses treat those who serve us all.

Karim Ali, MSci Pharmacology student
KarimAliVan

The Funnel Support Network joins the dots between hyperlocal donation stations and the charities which redistribute food donations, with the aim of helping those most in need and reducing food insecurity in King's local communities. The team worked with a range of organisations, including the Pecan Food Bank, the Waterloo Food Bank, Saint George the Martyr Community Fridge, Albrighton Community Fridge and Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers. This work is a continuation of Karim’s dedication to creating positive social change, having led several social justice movements on campus throughout this time at King’s.

To raise awareness of the issues faced by local communities, Karim and his team created a documentary that captures the work undertaken by the The Funnel Support Network.

We are very proud that Karim and the Funnel Network have received recognition for their work on food poverty. Through leadership, courage, hard work, and kindness he has made a positive difference to Southwark in a very challenging year. Karim is a great example of a changemaker and I have no doubt he will continue to make a positive social impact through his future endeavours at King’s and beyond.

Louise Gough, Director of Service Strategy & Planning

The TARGETjobs Undergraduate of the Year Awards is a competition open to students across the UK where they can win prizes such as placements, internships and trips abroad with internationally recognised organisations. This year there were nine different awards which covered a range of academic subjects and skillsets.

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