THE AYA HACHEM YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR 2026
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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 should be aware of the challenges facing young people today and be an ambassador for the town.
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 hometown an even better place to live.
They must understand the community they operate in and work towards changing negative perceptions of their hometown. The Young person should demonstrate commitment towards their cause whilst being resilient in meeting their goals.
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 2025.
HERE ARE YOUR 2026 FINALISTS
Motunrayo Ainenehi
Born in Nigeria and raised in Blackburn as an asylum seeker, Motunrayo has built an impressive record of achievement, leadership, and community service. She excelled academically throughout school, later achieving three A*s at A level and becoming the highest-scoring applicant for her chosen medical degree.
She is currently an intern at the THOMAS Organisation, supporting their rehabilitation and community outreach work for individuals affected by drug and alcohol addiction. In this role, she promotes online engagement through social media and website development, while also assisting with finance operations. She also serves as a Foundation Governor at Sacred Heart Primary School, a four-year voluntary role in which she supports the school’s mission, monitors progress, and holds leaders to account in order to champion young people’s success.
Her commitment to community impact is demonstrated through her £320 fundraising achievement for Cancer Research UK, completing up to 500 skips a day in the October Skipping Challenge. She also volunteers with Children’s University, running activity sessions for children aged 6–11.
Alongside her sisters, she co-runs OATutors, a tutoring initiative supporting SATs, GCSE and A level students both academically and through online educational content. She has also contributed to the Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, the What About Us anti-violence project, and previously served as Student Union President and Student Governor, leading wellbeing initiatives, charity events, and improvements to college bursaries.
Sanaa
Dewan
Sanaa Dewan is a dedicated young leader whose commitment to community service has made a meaningful impact across Blackburn. Alongside her academic studies, Alimah course, and part-time work, she has devoted the past several years to supporting charitable causes and uplifting those around her. Sanaa has volunteered with organisations such as IMO Charity, Benefit Mankind, and Human Appeal, where she has helped deliver youth sessions, supported vulnerable families, and played a key role in community events.
Her passion for helping others began at a young age and has continued to grow. She has organised and participated in multiple fundraising initiatives, including contributions to the Turkey–Syria Appeal, East Lancashire Hospice, and Hope and Help. In 2025, despite navigating her recent ADHD diagnosis, Sanaa led the planning and delivery of a highly successful Family Fun Day and Bazaar with Human Appeal, raising vital funds for families in Gaza.
Beyond her projects, Sanaa is recognised for her kindness, reliability, and ability to bring people together. She strives to make others feel valued and empowered, especially young people who look up to her as a role model. Her nomination reflects the trust and appreciation of those who witness her positive energy, resilience, and unwavering dedication to creating lasting change.
Ayna
Manahil
Ayna is an inspiring 10-year-old volunteer whose dedication to helping others and protecting the environment has made a meaningful impact across Burnley, Pendle, and Blackburn. Despite her young age, Ayna is the youngest volunteer of the Blackburn-based charity Benefit Mankind, where she is also one of its most active contributors.
Ayna regularly supports multiple food banks by helping to pack and distribute food boxes to families in need. She also assists with feeding homeless individuals and plays an important role in Christmas Day meal distribution and gift-giving, helping ensure vulnerable members of the community feel supported during the festive season.
In addition to her work supporting people, Ayna is a passionate environmental advocate. As a community champion for litter picking, she regularly helps clean streets, parks, and public spaces, encouraging others to take pride in their surroundings. Her love for nature extends beyond her local area, as she also supports wildlife conservation through the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) by adopting pandas.
She also raises money door to door, donating funds to support poor and disadvantaged people locally and internationally. Her compassion, leadership, and commitment to making a positive difference make her a remarkable role model.
Zainab
Shah
Zainab Shah serves as the Youth MP for Blackburn with Darwen, where she has spent several years championing the voices, rights, and aspirations of young people across the borough. A passionate advocate for youth representation, she has spoken in the Houses of Parliament, contributed to council meetings, and led youth-driven events that empower young people to shape decisions affecting their lives.
Among her key achievements, Zainab led the creation of a powerful gambling-harm awareness video that has initiated vital conversations about safety, wellbeing, and informed choices among young people. She also played an important role in developing the Children and Young People’s Plan alongside the Council, helping to identify and champion priority areas including mental-health support, stronger and safer communities, equal opportunities, and online safety.
Beyond her formal responsibilities, Zainab has supported and delivered a wide range of campaigns, such as the annual Takeover Challenge, mental-health awareness projects, youth-safety initiatives, and programmes designed to uplift and include underrepresented young people. Her approach to leadership is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and integrity, always putting the needs of others at the centre of her work.
As a young Pakistani woman in civic leadership, Zainab is committed to representation, empowerment, and driving positive change. She continues to work tirelessly to ensure that every young person in Blackburn with Darwen feels heard, supported, and able to influence the future of their borough.
WINNER 2026
Motunrayo Ainenehi Crowned Aya Hachem Young Person of the Year
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Motunrayo Ainenehi was named the winner of the Aya Hachem Young Person of the Year Award at the 1V Awards 2026, in recognition of her exceptional leadership, dedication to community service, and commitment to creating positive change across Blackburn with Darwen.
The award celebrates young people who are already making a meaningful impact within their communities, and Motunrayo stood out for her ability to combine academic excellence with an unwavering passion for helping others. Through her involvement in rehabilitation programmes, contributions to school governance, and delivery of youth education initiatives, she has consistently demonstrated maturity, compassion, and leadership beyond her years.
Judges praised Motunrayo for her drive to empower young people and for the positive influence she continues to have within the local community. Her work reflects the spirit of the Aya Hachem Young Person of the Year Award, recognising young leaders who inspire others through action, resilience, and service.
The 1V Awards 2026 also celebrated an outstanding group of finalists, each recognised for their contribution to strengthening communities and championing social value across Blackburn with Darwen.
An emotional Motunrayo told the audience, “To all the young people in Blackburn with Darwen you are beautifully and wonderfully made, and you can achieve anything you want to.”