Awards for young achievers

Dignitaries gathered to celebrate the achievement of black and ethnic minority youngsters at an awards ceremony last month.

The awards were held at the Centrepiece Church in Bank Street and were organised by Maria Olukoya from the Ashford BME Association.

The aim was to recognise the outstanding achievements and talent of youngsters in the borough to coincide with Black History Month.

The event was attended by MP Damian Green, deputy mayor Cllr Jessamy Blanford, Lord Michael Hastings of Scarisbrick CBE and Cllr George Koowaree.

Maria Olukoya set up the association last year.

She said: “The first awards went very well. We had really positive feedback. It highlighted how much talent we have within the town and in our community. The association works tirelessly to promote social cohesion.”

The winner of the Maverick award was Isaiah Mutabaruka, Mahesh Rai won the Special Recognition Award, and Luke Morgan was named Volunteer of the Year.

Bruno Mukuze won the Young Entrepreneur award, Golibe Gwam won the Rising Star award, and Leroy Hlabi won the Sports award.

There were also awards for Bafana Khumalo (Academic), Tom Grayson (Arts), Deborah Mutabaruka (Music), Micah Asere (Police Relations), and Blade Entertainment (Music Mentor for Young People).

Ms Olukoya added: “The winners were very pleased to be recognised, and they are all looking forward to working harder and finding opportunities to inspire other young people to achieve.”

For more details, visit www. ashfordbmeassociation.org.