Fatima Dar “How Ursuline Links shaped my life”
I want to share my journey of hope, service, and faith — how my experiences at Ursuline and with Ursuline Links have shaped who I am and the work I do today.
Starting at Ursuline Wimbledon in Year 7 was both exciting and overwhelming. That year, I began wearing the hijab for the first time, and I was the only visibly Muslim student in my year. I was stepping into a completely new environment, navigating the challenges of being different while also figuring out who I was becoming. I was given the opportunity not only to pray in the chapel but also to openly talk about my religion and taking that step helped me grow stronger in my faith and more confident in my identity. Even in a place where I initially felt very visible, I discovered that hope can flourish when you embrace who you are and find support in your community.
The idea of finding and nurturing light even in uncertainty is at the heart of the Churches Jubilee year of “Fan the Flame of Hope.” Pope Francis described this by saying, “We must find the flame of hope that has been given to us and help everyone to gain strength and certainty by looking into the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and a farsighted vision.”
His words beautifully express the idea that even in uncertainty, we can find and nurture hope — a theme that resonates with my own journey of faith, service, and community.
⸻Ursuline Journey
Being an Ursuline student from Year 7 to Year 13 was a unique and formative experience. Even though it was a Catholic school, it never felt like my faith as a Muslim was a barrier. On the contrary, it gave me space to grow in my own beliefs, while also observing the community around me. I saw hope every day — in classmates helping each other, in teachers believing in every student, and in the general spirit of togetherness.
Even in a setting where I was different, I learned that hope can be found in connection, in shared goals, and in the little acts of kindness we extend to each other. These early experiences set the foundation for my next step: joining Ursuline Links.
Discovering Ursuline Links
I first heard about Ursuline Links in Year 9, through a group of friends. I remember feeling excited and a little nervous. Our first meeting was in the RE-block, I still remember it, where we learned about the various programmes: summer camps, Christmas parties, and other community projects across the UK and abroad.
It felt empowering to think, “I can do this — and I can do this with my friends.” That sense of shared purpose sparked confidence and the understanding that young people can make a real difference in their communities.
Summer Camp Experience
One of the most memorable experiences I had was helping to organize a residential summer camp for disadvantaged children in the East London community. For two summers, I worked alongside a team of volunteers to plan and run a full week of activities, from sports days and arts and crafts to day trips, ensuring the children had a safe, supportive, and fun environment. It wasn’t just about the activities — we also built a sense of community among the volunteers, sharing meals, having a barbecue, and even enjoying a trip to the cinema to watch Mamma Mia. Those moments of laughter, teamwork, and connection reminded me that hope and joy can flourish even in challenging circumstances, and that being present for others — listening, supporting, and caring — can leave a lasting impact.
Those moments taught me that hope truly thrives in community. The children showed me that even the smallest acts of service — offering a helping hand, listening attentively, or simply being present — can have a profound impact. During that camp, I saw the spirit of Serviam — “I will serve” — come to life in action, and it reminded me of similar principles in my own faith. In Islam, serving others is a key expression of faith and compassion. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.” Whether it’s volunteering at a summer camp, supporting someone in need, or contributing to a wider community, acts of service and kindness transcend faith and culture. They are universal ways we can nurture hope and make a real difference in the lives of others.
How Ursuline Links Shaped My Career
Ursuline Links changed the way I see the world. Working with different communities opened my eyes to social inequalities and made me reflect on the privileges I often took for granted — having a good education, a loving home, in a safe environment and the freedom to wear my hijab with confidence. Seeing what others lacked made me realise that I wanted to use the opportunities I’ve been given to make a real difference in people’s lives.
After studying Social Sciences at King’s College London, I began my career at the children’s literacy charity Coram Beanstalk. In January 2025, I then joined Frontline — a charity that trains people to become social workers — where I currently work.
My role at Frontline is about supporting and guiding the next generation of social workers. I help them build confidence, navigate challenges, and understand how to make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve. Every day, I see hope come alive within the charity— in the determination of trainees stepping into difficult situations, in the relief of families receiving much-needed support, and in the ripple effect of compassionate action spreading through communities. These experiences have shown me that even small contributions, when guided by empathy and intention, can create lasting change.
Reflection on Serviam and the Ursuline Virtues –
During my time at Ursuline, I noticed how deeply Serviam and the Ursuline Virtues were embedded in school life — being united in harmony, generosity, compassion, truth, being courageous and resilient, hopeful, and joyful. These values were not just words; they were reflected in the way students and staff interacted, in the care shown to one another, and in the community projects we participated in. Watching this in action made me reflect on similar principles in my own faith.
In Islam, serving others is a central expression of faith — whether it’s helping the needy, supporting your community, or acting with integrity and compassion. Seeing these values lived out at Ursuline reminded me that the desire to make a positive difference, to act with kindness, and to nurture hope is universal. It isn’t confined to any single religion; it’s part of what connects us as human beings. Whether through volunteering at summer camps, mentoring others, or simply offering support to those around us, the spirit of service and the power of hope can inspire everyone, transcending faith, background, or circumstance.
I think the Ursuline virtues and Serviam transcends the realms of religion but of what a good human being is and should be. And I think the same goes for Ursuline links, reflecting from my experience you can be of any faith or background and you’ll feel welcomed with open arms. The hard work and dedication that Sister Kathleen — and now our wonderful new Director, James — are putting into Ursuline Links is truly inspiring. Their leadership and vision are helping Ursuline Links grow and strengthen its impact. This short-term — or perhaps even long-term — commitment has the power to create lifelong change for the communities we’re helping. With the right mindset, clear intention, and genuine understanding of why you’re giving your time and effort to volunteer and support others, you can make a real difference. Anyone can.
Reflection on Hope
Hope isn’t always easy. Working in the charity sector, I see hardship and inequality daily. Global events like the ongoing genocide in Gaza does make hope feel fragile. Yet, the efforts of leaders like Pope Francis, reaching out to the Christian community in Gaza and advocating for peace and a ceasefire show that hope can be active — something that is expressed through solidarity, action, and care for others.
Hope is in coming together, across faiths and communities, to support each other. It’s in knowing that our efforts — small or large — can make a difference. That’s what I’ve seen in my work, in my community, and in the children I’ve supported: that hope can be nurtured when people act with intention, care, and compassion.
So, what does it mean to Fan the Flame of Hope? For me, it’s about serving others, nurturing our communities, and believing that our actions can make a difference. It’s about compassion, courage, and joy — values that transcend religion and remind us of our shared humanity.
As you go forward, I encourage you to find your own flame of hope, carry it with intention, and share it with the world. Serve with purpose, act with kindness, and remember that even the smallest acts can inspire others. Together, we can light up our communities, one act of hope at a time.
Thank you.
