A portrait of the borough’s foster carers of the year will be on display at the National Portrait Gallery, following a story about the pair in Around Ealing magazine.
An artist’s interest was piqued after reading about foster carers Zeinab and Mukhtar. As a result, they were selected to be a part of a new series of displays at the prestigious London gallery.
Artists First: Contemporary Perspectives on Portraiture, is due to open on 6 September. It celebrates the reclamation of untold stories.
One of the artists commissioned for it was Panamanian visual artist Giana De Dier. Her project focuses on changemakers from the African and Caribbean diaspora in Britain who are making a difference in their communities.
To enable the artist to create her portrait, Zeinab and Mukhtar were first photographed in their home.
The completed work will be on display until August 2026.
The displays at the gallery are part of a new programme supported by the Chanel Culture Fund.
‘Foster children said they were proud’
“This recognition isn’t just for us,” Mukhtar said. “It’s for our community. It shows that fostering, care, and resilience come from all backgrounds.”
Zeinab added: “Our foster children told me they were proud of us when they heard about the National Portrait Gallery recognition.”
‘I understood the loneliness’
The decision to foster came from a deeply personal place for Zeinab. “I lost my mum when I was very young,” she said. “It’s not easy — especially at the time when you need your mother the most.”
Raised by her siblings and extended family, she experienced first-hand the importance of love and support. “I told my husband, I really want to do this job,” she said.
Originally from Eritrea, husband Mukhtar arrived in the UK in 1981 at 17 years old, fleeing the violence of Ethiopia’s Red Terror. His father was murdered by the regime and, alone and seeking safety, Mukhtar’s early experiences shaped his later decision to foster. “I understood the loneliness and vulnerability young people face when separated from family,” he said.
Together, Zeinab and Mukhtar have been fostering for more than 11 years.
‘They’ve changed so much’
Last year, their exceptional contribution was recognised when they were jointly awarded Ealing Council’s Foster Carer of the Year Award. They were commended for their dedication to keeping a group of 4 siblings together for 7 years.
“They’re like our own children,” Zeinab said. “They’ve changed so much since they have been with us and are doing really well.”
Zeinab is also a proud mother to 3 sons. Her foster children, she says, are inspired by her own children’s achievements.
Interested in becoming a foster carer?
Go to the council’s fostering website.
