THE AYA HACHEM YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR 2024
WINNER Sahil Usman
Sahil Usman was the winner of the Aya Hachem Young Person of the Year 2024 Sponsored by Blackburn College.
Sahil’s journey of resilience began in 2018 when he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Despite facing his own challenges, he has managed to fund over 100 life-saving cancer treatments abroad. Sahil is currently working on a ground-breaking book that tackles taboo topics, with the aim of empowering individuals to embrace their differences and foster a culture of acceptance.
“As a cancer survivor standing on stage and delivering a speech for this award was an incredibly humbling experience. This recognition has fuelled my determination to continue serving my community, striving to make a positive impact wherever possible,” said 18 year old Sahil.
THE FINALISTS
The 1V Young Person of the Year must have demonstrated leadership, character and service to the community of Blackburn.
The 1V Young Person of the Year should be a role model for the community. He/she must be aware of the challenges facing young people today. Moreover he/she must have a track record of working with many communities of Blackburn. The Young Person of the Year should show determination to make their home town an even better place to live. Special credit will be reserved for those working in the area of integration and cohesion.
Educational achievement will not be recognised in this category.
While the award aims to acknowledge the work of candidates in the previous 12 months, it can also be recognition of a continued level of service to the communities.
To be considered for nomination the individual needs to be 24 years of age or under on 31st August 2023.
Hamzah Hasan
Over the last-12-months Hamzah has volunteered for various charities, engaging and leading weekly sessions as well as completing holiday provisions. His work focuses on developing young people’s personal skills and confidence, which positively influences their mental and physical well-being. He has visited many care homes in Blackburn woth Darwen, gifting hampers and engaging in conversations with the elderly.
Hamzah has been part of a detached community outreach project, tackling anti-social behaviour and violence. He contributes regularly to Brookhouse Development Group (BHDG), in the cemetery project, guiding the public to locate graves and aiding families of the deceased in maintaining and restoring graves of their loved-ones.
Recently, his dedication to CPR training and first-aid proved invaluable in an emergency at his home. During a non-epileptic violent seizure experienced by his sister, Hamzah applied the skills he learned in the cadets and saved her life. This experience highlights his ongoing commitment to community service and youth empowerment.
Muhammad Makda
Thirteen-year-old Muhammad Makda from Blackburn travelled to Lebanon in August 2023 to volunteer and hand out food packages, hygiene kits and money to the refugees that are living in Lebanon. Muhammad managed to raise over £8000 in just over two weeks. This involved him fundraising in many communities in Blackburn, and the local areas. It helped him engage with people he did not come cross on a daily basis.
He spends a lot of his time and energy fundraising for various causes. The trip has inspired him to go again and after hearing the stories of those affected by displacement. He is planning a trip to Syria to build safe houses for the refugees who have been displaced.
At a very young age Muhammad is dedicated to helping those who require additional support due their living conditions around the world, but also locally. He is organising and taking part in various appeals in 2024.
Saman Mehmood
Saman has suffered with mental health personally from the age of 12 and has been through some tough times. Throughout her journey of finding the help and support she needed she was faced with many barriers and stigma from her community. However, this hasn’t stopped Saman from using her voice to make a difference in the community. She now works with many organisations to combat barriers and is now an advocate for mental health amongst young people. She makes it a priority to raise awareness and support those who are struggling with mental health.
Recently, Saman appeared in a mental health video to support health care workers in dealing with BAME patients in Lancashire and South Cumbria. With her lived experience, Saman reaches out to other marginalised groups and people to support their mental health needs, both in her home town of Blackburn and throughout the North West.
Sahil Usman
Sahil’s journey of resilience began in 2018 when he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Despite facing his own challenges, Sahil displayed profound empathy for his fellow patients. He selflessly used his own pocket money to provide Christmas presents to those unable to be with their families. Sahil hosts his own show on a local radio station, shedding light on critical topics such as mental health and anti-bullying. Through his fundraising efforts, he has managed to fund over 100 life-saving cancer treatments abroad. Sahil is currently working on a ground-breaking book that tackles taboo topics, with the aim of empowering individuals to embrace their differences and foster a culture of acceptance.
Sahil hopes to continue his work the coming months by raising funds for those who are not able to afford cancer treatment in the likes of Gaza, Ukraine, India and Pakistan. He is also conducting presentations in schools and universities across the borough and beyond to raise awareness of cancer.
The 1V Young Person of the Year must have demonstrated leadership, character and service to the community of Blackburn.
The 1V Young Person of the Year should be a role model for the community. He/she must be aware of the challenges facing young people today. Moreover he/she must have a track record of working with many communities of Blackburn. The Young Person of the Year should show determination to make their home town an even better place to live. Special credit will be reserved for those working in the area of integration and cohesion.
Educational achievement will not be recognised in this category.
While the award aims to acknowledge the work of candidates in the previous 12 months, it can also be recognition of a continued level of service to the communities.
To be considered for nomination the individual needs to be 24 years of age or under on 31st August 2023.
SPONSORED BY
WINNER 2023
Bright & Brilliant Student Wins 1V Youth Award
SPONSORED BY
A brilliant 16 year old won the Aya Hachem Young Person of the Year Award last week in a glittering ceremony at King George’s Hall in Blackburn.
Muhammed Karbhari was presented with the trophy by Dr Fazal Dad, Principal of Blackburn College, and Samar Salame, who’s daughter’s name bears the name on the trophy.
The trustees of One Voice Blackburn decided to rename the Young Person’s award to the Aya Hachem Young person of the Year in 2021, in agreement with Aya’s family. Aya’s life was tragically cut short nearly three years ago through a mindless act.
The 1V Young Person of the Year is awarded to those who have demonstrated leadership, character and service to the community of Blackburn. The Young Person should show determination to make their home town an even better place to live.
Muhammad Karbhari was awarded £10,000 funding by the Ardonagh Community Trust (ACT), Bright Future Prize 2022, which attracted entries from all over the world. Muhammad’s bright idea, which won the Your Vision category, focused on helping the student led social enterprise, Uniformity, at Tauheedul Islam Boys’ High School. The enterprise helps parents and carers access affordable school uniforms whilst as the same time helping the planet and local community.
His wider roles include being part of the Strategic Alliance Youth Forum, his role within RAF and his extensive work at IMO Charity from the age of 14. Muhammed Karbhari, who was grateful and honoured at receiving the award, said: “This award has given me the motivation to continue working hard in making a positive impact in everything I do I look forward to using this recognition to inspire others and and contribute to the growth and developments of all my future endeavours. I would like to thank the team at One Voice Blackburn for the wonderful event.”
The winner of the award in 2021 – Muhammad Bapu