Farmanullah Nawrozy wins Young Person of the Year

Farmanullah Nawrozy is presented with his award by Mayor Ray Dutton

Farmanullah Nawrozy, who escaped war in Afghanistan to achieve 10 GCSEs and earn his National Citizenship Service certificate, has won Young Person of the Year at the Mayor’s Youth Awards.

Farmanullah, 18, arrived in the UK four years ago with no parents or family, unable to speak English and badly affected by his experiences growing up in the war zone in Afghanistan. He moved in with foster parents and began attending Kingsway Park High School in year 10, learned to speak English and subsequently sat 10 GCSEs, as well as going on to earn a BTEC Level One in Sports at Middleton College.

Farmanullah was handed his trophy and certificate by the Mayor Ray Dutton. Mayor Dutton said: “It is impossible to fathom the strength it must have taken Farmanullah to have come this far. He is an inspirational young person who, despite having gone through so much himself, continues to achieve and do his best to help the people around him. We are all the better for having him here in the borough and I’m sure that we have not heard the last of this remarkable young man.”

Youth worker Saqub Hussain, who nominated Farmanullah for the award, said: “Farmanullah’s journey since arriving in UK has been amazing and he makes a positive contribution wherever he goes. He is always first to take part in projects and workshops and he helps at his local youth club translating to other non-English-speaking members. He has become a really strong-minded young man who is still studying hard and taking on educational courses, and he has just finished another course to further his career in sports.”

Awards given in 14 different categories on the evening, including the Leadership Award, which went to Ryan Mulligan for his support for cared-for children, the Voice for Young People Award, awarded to Iqra Ali for her work representing Rochdale’s youth both nationally and internationally, and the Inspiration Award, won by Rebecca Bradley and Rowann McBride for their years of work and engagement with Rochdale Youth Service.

Rebecca Bradley and Rowann McBride presented with their award by Mayor Ray Dutton

The Group Voice Award was given to the Rochdale Young Advisors, a group of 10 young people who collectively volunteered for 372 hours with Rochdale and District Mind, helping to fund raise, design campaigns, running the Manchester 10K and planning an alternative prom for those who couldn’t attend their own.

The Community Contribution Award went to Lori Jacques for her dedication to helping at Langley Theatre Workshop, where she delivers sessions in drama for younger children, volunteers during events and helps with the busy bee fun club, painting the children's faces and playing games, and even set up her own community enterprise.