The awards were founded by the QED Foundation and sponsored by, York St John University who celebrate young people aged 16 to 30 of South Asian heritage who were born in or live and work in Yorkshire, and who have overcome deprivation and disadvantage, or successfully broken through barriers, to become successful role models in their chosen fields.
Over 30 nominees were in contention for the ten award categories and a number of them included were: Tanisha Jain, 20, from York won the Achievement in Sport award, Nusaybah Tufail, 22, was awarded the Achievement in Health, Mental Health, or Healthcare award, Mohammed Saeed, 19, who lives in Bradford, won the Achievement in Arts and Creative Industries, Mahnoor Akhlaq was awarded Achievement in Media, Mohammad Malik, 24, was awarded Achievement in Education Safura Said won the Private Sector/ Young Entrepreneur category, Safah Aftab, 17, from Bradford, was awarded Achievement in School or College, Sadiya Salim received the Achievement in Public Sector award. The Not-for-Profit sector award, sponsored by Barnardo’s, went to Samiyaa Ahmed, 21, from York. The Overall Winner for 2023, sponsored by York St John University, went to Mariam Habib.
![\"\"](\"https://scotland-cnct.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Overcoming-Life-Obstacles-Winner-Mohammed-Hamad-with-host-Noreen-Khan-left-and-sponsor-Udy-Archibong-Vice-Chancellor-at-the-Uni-of-Bradford-JPG-scaled-1.jpg\")
Dr Mohammad Ali OBE, CEO of the QED Foundation, said: “The YAYAs are more than just an awards scheme, they’re a campaign to inspire more young people to be successful. Many of this year’s YAYA winners have succeeded, despite having to cope with major challenges in life. All of the young people nominated are an inspiration to others, and are making vital contributions to society at large.”
![\"\"](\"https://scotland-cnct.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Winners-scaled-1.jpg\")
Each year, the YAYAs celebrate an individual for Overcoming Life Obstacles, sponsored by the University of Bradford and this year the award went to Mohammed Hamad, 26, from Bradford, who was born with a rare genetic disability called The ‘Fuhrmann Syndrome’, a type of skeletal dysplasia, which has left him wheelchair bound. Hamad is a graduate in Accountancy and Finance from the University of Bradford. He currently works for the NHS as a Purchase Ledger Officer.
![\"\"](\"https://scotland-cnct.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Winner-Young-Enterpreneur-Safura-Said-with-sponsor-Robin-Morle-Head-of-People-at-Morrisons-scaled-1.jpg\")
Mariam, 29, lives in Leeds and is studying for a BSc (Honours) Health and Social Care degree at the University of Huddersfield. She is studying whilst taking care of her son, who has multiple health conditions and is highly dependent on her. She also faced an abusive marriage while pregnant with her second child. Taking a year out to raise her two children, she returned to her studies a year later.
The night also featured an inaugural award for school children, the Yorkshire Asian Young (YAY) award, which went to 15 year-old Umra Andar from Belle Vue Girls Academy.
![\"\"](\"https://scotland-cnct.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/TVs-Dr-Amir-Khan-scaled-1.jpg\")
Business leaders, celebrities, and influencers attended the awards, which were presented by broadcaster and stand-up comedian, Noreen Khan. Featured guests included the doctor and TV personality, Dr Amir Khan, whilst video messages of support were also sent from high profile figures in their field, including the author Vaseem Khan, Professor Waqar Ahmad, footballer Kira Rai and the chief executive of the Disasters Emergency Committee, Saleh Saeed OBE.
Visit www.yayas.uk for more information.
