Rashid's Duke of Edinburgh Change Maker of the Year Award Nomination

Rashid's Duke of Edinburgh Change Maker of the Year award Nomination.

This story is a powerful reminder of the incredible difference one person can make, making Rashid a deserving candidate for the Change Maker of the Year award.

The "This is Youth" award, part of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), is designed to celebrate and recognise young people who have made a positive impact on their communities through their DofE journey. The purpose of this award is to shine a light on the exceptional efforts of young people and the adults who support them, showcasing how participants have gone above and beyond to overcome challenges, display resilience, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

It is not just about achievements within the DofE program but also about highlighting personal growth, leadership, innovation, and the ability to inspire others. The award also recognises those who have defied expectations and made profound differences in their surroundings, often facing unique challenges themselves.

This celebration aims to inspire others by sharing these stories of perseverance, kindness, and determination, creating role models within the DofE community and beyond.

How has the person you’re nominating made a positive impact in their community through activities they’ve done as part of their DofE programme?

Rashid’s journey through the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) is a testament to his resilience and leadership. As a care-experienced young person in foster care, he faces unique challenges without the traditional support of biological parents, relying instead on his supportive foster family.

Despite these challenges, Rashid has become an indispensable leader within his cohort. He motivates and supports his peers, fostering unity and resilience. His selflessness is evident in his decision to use a travel exemption during Ramadan to stay with his group, ensuring his continuous support.

Rashid's most impactful contribution is his role as a translator, bridging the communication gap between Arabic and English. His efforts extend beyond his cohort, ensuring essential information is accessible to all, promoting inclusivity and understanding.

Rashid's influence reaches other cohorts, where he consistently offers assistance and encouragement. His actions have earned him immense respect and admiration, making a tangible difference in many lives.

Rashid embodies the spirit of a Change Maker, overcoming language barriers and personal challenges to make a profound impact on his community. His leadership, translation skills, and unwavering support have strengthened his cohort and the entire community. Rashid's story is a powerful reminder of the incredible difference one person can make, making him a deserving candidate for the Change Maker of the Year award.

What difference have their actions made to those around them?

Rashid’s actions have had a profound and lasting impact on his community, benefiting both individuals and groups in multiple ways.

One of the most compelling examples of Rashid’s leadership and navigation skills occurred during an expedition where his team took a wrong turn. Despite being the only non-English speaking young person in his cohort, Rashid displayed exceptional confidence and competence. He took charge of the situation, expertly guiding his team back to camp. His ability to navigate the terrain, even with a language barrier, speaks volumes about his resourcefulness and determination.

Rashid's leadership shone brightly in this challenging moment. He refused to let anyone take the blame for the mistake, instead keeping the team focused and positive. His actions prevented potential conflicts and maintained morale, turning a potentially negative experience into a testament of teamwork and perseverance. This incident not only showcased Rashid’s leadership and problem-solving abilities but also reinforced a sense of unity and resilience within the group.

By demonstrating such exemplary qualities, Rashid has instilled a sense of confidence and trust among his peers. His actions have set a powerful example, showing that effective leadership transcends language barriers. Rashid’s approach ensured that his team remained cohesive and motivated, illustrating the profound impact one individual can have on the collective spirit of a group.

Rashid’s role as a translator has further enhanced his impact. His efforts in translating between Arabic and English have bridged communication gaps, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all participants. This has allowed everyone to fully engage in DofE activities, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.

In summary, Rashid’s contributions have made a significant difference to his community. His navigation and leadership skills during critical moments have not only benefitted his immediate cohort but have also inspired others, setting a positive example for future participants. Rashid’s actions have strengthened the bonds within his cohort, promoted inclusivity, and demonstrated the power of resilience and unity. His story is a powerful reminder of the incredible difference one person can make, making him a deserving candidate for the Change Maker of the Year award.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about why they deserve to be recognised and celebrated through This is Youth 2024?

Rashid’s impact extends beyond his remarkable skills and actions; he embodies dependability and non-judgmental support, which is crucial for his cohort of care-experienced young people. Each participant, including Rashid, comes from a background marked by trauma and instability. Due to the nature of being in care through a fostering agency, none of the participants live near each other or have the opportunity to engage outside of training and expeditions. This separation often exacerbates feelings of isolation and uncertainty, making Rashid’s role even more vital.

When Rashid arrives, there is a visible sense of relief and comfort among his peers. His presence brings a calming and reassuring influence that imbues the team with stability. Rashid’s consistent support and understanding nature make him someone his peers can always depend on. He approaches every situation without judgment, fostering an environment where everyone feels safe and valued.

Rashid’s ability to connect with his peers on a deeper level is rooted in his shared experiences of being care-experienced. He understands their struggles and uses his own journey to provide empathy and support. This connection helps his peers feel less isolated and more understood, allowing them to navigate their challenges more effectively.

Rashid deserves to be recognized and celebrated through This is Youth 2024 because he epitomises the essence of a true Change Maker. His unwavering dependability and non-judgmental support have transformed the lives of his peers, creating a positive and inclusive environment. Rashid’s story is a testament to the incredible difference one person can make, making him an inspiring and deserving candidate for this award.

We have since caught up with Rashid's foster carer, Lorraine, and will be sharing her fantastic insights into how she has helped support Rashid and the positive changes she has witnessed Rashid achieve through his Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.