A teenager who escaped war in Afghanistan to achieve 10 GCSEs and earn his National Citizenship Service certificate has won Young Person of the Year at Rochdale’s 2016 Mayor’s Youth Awards.

Farmanullah Nawrozy, 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 for 10 GCSEs, as well as going on to earn a BTEC Level 1 in Sports at Middleton College.

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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.”

Farmanullah was handed his trophy and certificate by the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Ray Dutton, during a ceremony organised by Rochdale youth service and attended by 120 children and young people, as well as council leader, Councillor Richard Farnell, lead member for children’s services, Councillor Donna Martin, director of children’s services Gail Hopper and assistant directors Sandra Bowness and Jill McGregor. Also in attendance were Councillors Janet Emsley, Daniel Meredith, Pat Sullivan and Shakil Ahmed.

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.”

Awards were handed out in 14 different categories in the evening, including the Leadership Award, which went to Ryan Mulligan for his support for cared-for children, the Voice for Young People Award, handed 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 incredible work and engagement with Rochdale youth service, regardless of their own disabilities or learning needs. 

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 fundraise, 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.

Councillor Martin said: “Listening to the achievements of these young people is a very humbling experience. What’s wonderful about these awards is the level of selflessness, perseverance and positivity in every nomination. Well done to everyone, you are role models in the truest sense of the words.”