OVER 60 incredible young people from schools and colleges in Harlow received their prestigious Jack Petchey Foundation Achievement Awards presented at a live event at Harlow Playhouse.

The live event celebrated Achievement Award winners aged 11-25 from Harlow for their contributions to their school/college community, where winners received medallions and framed certificates from the Foundation along with a £300 grant for them to spend to benefit their school or youth group.

In addition, 6 adults were awarded Leader Awards for demonstrating outstanding ability to motivate young people. They each received a medallion and a framed certificate.

Gemma Juma, Chief Executive Officer said: “It was so inspiring to see the young achievers in Harlow being recognised for their fantastic achievements. There are so many wonderful young people in Harlow doing great things to benefit their local schools and communities. Harlow also has such incredibly talented young performers who wowed the audience with their singing and dancing skills. The future really does look bright!”

Harlow has received funding of over £1.3m from the Jack Petchey Foundation since funding started.

Achievement Award winners include winners, Mohammad Ibrahim Haidari Wardak, 19, who attends Harlow College.

Ibrahim has been awarded the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for his outstanding work for the community and school. Ibrahim came to the UK in August 2021 as a refugee from Afghanistan. He has utilised his Language skills, working with public services as a translator to help people fleeing his home country. He has also volunteered at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, where he offers support to patients and their families.

Over the summer, Ibrahim also secured a place with Rainbow Services in Harlow, working on local community projects that will implement best practices. He has been able to balance his volunteer work whilst studying his A-levels and applying for university and have his volunteer work recognised by the then Minister of State for Immigration, Tom Pursglove MP.

Ibrahim decided to spend his £300 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on a New Year’s group trip. 

Rebekah Pike, 17, who attends St Mark’s West Essex RC School.

Rebekah has been awarded the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for her superb volunteer work in Zanibar, Tanzania. During her time at Zanzibar, she worked for two weeks in a primary school teaching Maths, English and Science. Another focus was educating the schoolgirls on menstrual health and workshops for more than 400 girls, aimed at also helping reduce the stigma surrounding periods.

Rebekah said: “Thanks to the Jack Petchey Foundation for considering me worthy of this award. I had the opportunity to have education and I did what I was able to where millions of girls in my country have been deprived of education. If they have gotten the same opportunity, they would have touched the sky of success.”

Rebekah decided to spend her £300 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on First Aid training. 

Haya Sabir, 17, who attends Harlow College.

Haya has been awarded the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for her incredible dedication and focus in her course. Despite her sudden and recent evacuation from her home country Afghanistan, Haya has improved her language skills. She is determined to become a journalist, reporting on the plight of her country and is an inspiration to her fellow students.

Haya decided to spend her £300 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on a team-building trip. 

Emily Clements, 16, attends Stewards Academy.

Emily has been awarded the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for her commitment to her school work. Despite her personal circumstances, she never let that get in the way of keeping up to date with school work, working independently, and regularly attending after-school clubs and plays, showing a real determination to succeed.

Emily Clements decided to spend her £300 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on a mini 11- instax camera and films, for a self-esteem project.

Ryan Campling, 14, who attends Stewards Academy.

Ryan has been awarded the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for his motivation and support in school and community. He has been able to push himself in his work and provides invaluable help to the technology department, and regularly undertakes volunteer work. 

Ryan decided to spend his £300 Jack Petchey Achievement Award grant on the Music and Technology department.

Sir Jack founded the Jack Petchey Foundation in 1999 to recognise the positive contributions young people make to society and to support them in achieving their potential. Since then the Foundation has supported over 2,000 initiatives for young people across London and Essex and has invested over £150m. In January 2022 the Achievement Award grant was increased to £300 for all newly awarded Achievement Award winners to further recognise the amazing achievements of young people across London and Essex.

Sir Jack Petchey CBE aged 97, said: “I am passionate about our awards scheme which enables young people to be recognised, valued and rewarded for their achievements and positive contributions to society.”