ABOUT THE CATEGORY: For a person or group who have excelled academically in anyway shown a passion for learning or helped others succeed in their educational journey. This award honours those who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, a passion for knowledge, resilience in overcoming challenges, and a commitment to personal growth. Whether excelling in academics, mastering a skill, or pursuing innovative educational activities, their achievements inspire others and highlight the transformative power of learning.
If you know a young person or a group who you think deserves to be recognised for their contribution to learning in Sunderland complete a nomination form here by Friday 31st January 2025.
After fleeing from the Taliban, Mujtaba arrived as an unaccompanied asylum seeking child in November 2022. Speaking not a single word of English he had to reply on translation apps to communicate with carers.
Starting at Red House Academy in January 2023, he had to learn quickly and his attitude to learning is testament to what he wants to achieve in his life. Away from the classroom Mujtaba continues to learn, doing extra English lessons during holidays and is now having to reply on translation apps much less frequently. He is now also helping another young person who has moved into his care home showing how far he has come.
Winner: Andrew Pinheiro
After a difficult start to life, Andrew left school with no qualifications to his name. Determined to change this, he made the decision that he needed to do something about it. However, having Dyslexia and Dyscalculia, education was a challenge and this left Andrew feeling reluctant to engage.
Identifying an interest in engineering, an apprenticeship opportunity came up at New College Durham. After successfully being accepted on to the programme, he now works for Leibherr as an apprentice engineer, while also attending college to complete the academic side of the work. Attending both work and college independently, the work is challenging, but Andrew is showing real determination to complete the course.
