With an audience of several hundred attendees comprising of young people, local community leaders, partner organisations, councillors and other notable guests the Osmani Trust (formerly Brick Lane Youth Development Association and Elite Youth) held their Annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday 29th October 2009.
The ceremony seeks to recognise and celebrate the achievements of young people and local residents, who, despite various difficulties and challenges, have exerted considerable effort in not only facing these difficulties and challenges but also achieving remarkable things, becoming role models for others.
The proceedings began with the Football in the Community, one of several projects of the Osmani Trust making their presentations. Young people took to the stage to demonstrate their progress and achievements through role plays, poetry and testimonies. Throughout the day other Osmani Trust projects: the Aasha Gang Conflict Mediation Project, Amaal Girls Group, Shaathi Mentoring Project, Youth Club & Holiday Project, Education & Employment Project, Health Trainers and Healthy Futures also made several presentations.
The award categories were varied, including Volunteer of the Year, Peer Worker of the Year, Mentor of the Year, Sports Personality of the Year, Best Partner of the Year, and Outstanding Achiever of the Year.
Muhammad Habib, the winner of the Healthy Futures Sports Personality of the Year, upon receiving his award said
“This award is such a surprise to me. I’ve enjoyed being part of the Healthy Futures programme so much. Just being part of it has been so rewarding. Receiving this award gives me such an amazing feeling”.
The final category: Outstanding Contribution to the Community, was awarded to Cllr. Lutfur Rahman, who in his acceptance speech said ‘This is an award not for me, but everyone in the community who has worked tirelessly to make a difference. From our side, the Council is committed to helping everyone access the opportunity to achieve their real potential.’
Along with the awards the event also hosted a 20 year exhibition of the provisions of the Brick Lane Youth Development Association and Elite Youth, video presentations, cultural drama, food and poetry.
In closing the Annual Awards Ceremony Sati Abdur Rahman, Vice Chair of the Osmani Trust, said, “We have come a long way together. From the humble beginning when we were operating from a port-a-cabin to now embarking on the development of a world class centre. It was only through hard work and dedication from everyone that this has become possible”.