Kashmir Youth Project celebrates 45 years of community service

KYP was established in 1979

Kashmir Youth Project (KYP) proudly celebrated its 45th anniversary in October, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing dedication to community service.

Established in 1979, KYP has emerged as a leading voluntary organisation, committed to the development and empowerment and education of the Rochdale community.

The anniversary event, attended by esteemed guests and local dignitaries, was a heartfelt occasion filled with inspiring speeches, shared memories, and a renewed commitment to making a positive impact.

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Janet Emsley, cut the cake and expressed her appreciation for KYP’s invaluable contributions to the community.

The celebration also included representatives from various organisations, such as Rochdale Council of Mosques, Deeplish Community Centre, Bangladeshi Community Centre, Northern Care Alliance, Army of Kindness, Castlemere Community Centre, Springhill Hospice, Crossway Alliance, Living Well, Awakening Minds, Rochdale Women’s Welfare Association, as well as local councillors, including Councillor Shah Wazir, Councillor Sameena Zahir, Councillor Iftikhar Ahmed, and Councillor Farooq Ahmed along with community members.

The gathering highlighted a strong spirit of collaboration, as multiple organisations and dignitaries came together to support KYP’s mission.

Zulf Ahmed, the CEO of KYP, delivered a comprehensive presentation reflecting on the organisation’s 45 years journey, highlighting its remarkable achievements in areas such as advice and welfare, employment and skills development, integration, and health and wellbeing. He said: "I am grateful for KYP for giving me the opportunity to have a positive impact on people's lives."

Councillor Shah Wazir addressed the guests, saying: "KYP served the community in such a manner that whichever domain to look at it, it's been there. It’s a pioneer organization where King Charles came and acknowledged its services.” He added: “It's a truly diverse organization that has produced councillors, managers, community leaders, and so many other professionals serving the people."

Additionally, Mohammed Sheraz, from Army of Kindness, shared his experience with KYP, saying: "I started at KYP as a young person years ago and had the opportunity to grow from here. KYP is a place of inspiration for all of us and today; let’s remember those who have left us during this journey."

The event concluded with a strong sense of unity and celebration, highlighting KYP’s dedication to its mission of empowering and supporting the diverse community of Rochdale.