A FORMER Blackburn College student has picked up an award at the One Voice Annual Dinner, in a category sponsored by Blackburn College.

Adam Umarji was awarded the accolade of Young Person of the Year at a glittering awards ceremony held at King George’s Hall on Saturday 24th February 2018.

One Voice Blackburn is a Community Interest Company that aspires to create an inclusive, cohesive and vibrant community in Blackburn with Darwen.

The 21 year old was presented his Young Person of the Year award by Director of Business Development and External Engagement Nicola Clayton, BA (Hons) Education Studies student Amina Khan and BSc (Hons) Construction (Sustainable Design)

graduate Aisha Parveen, all three of whom spoke on stage in front of the hundreds of people in attendance at the event.

Undergraduate student Adam has committed much of his time in working in the voluntary sector in Blackburn and has been an active participant in the youth group SLYNCS, particularly during their launch period.

Adam is a drug and alcohol ambassador in Blackburn and Darwen as well as playing a leading role as one of the regional volunteers for the national charity, Penny Appeal.

Adam, who studied Level 3 Business with Law Extended Diploma at Blackburn College is now in the third and final year of his undergraduate studies at the University of Central Lancashire.

Amina Khan, 26, who is in the second year of her BA (Hons) Education Studies degree attended the event to help present the award. She told the attendees at the Black Tie event that:

“Blackburn College’s long-lasting relationship with One Voice is testament to the power of a shared goal – which is to create an inclusive, cohesive and vibrant community in Blackburn with Darwen.

“Blackburn College is proud to be headline sponsors of an event which acknowledges and celebrates those that have made such a positive contribution to the local community.”

Meanwhile, Construction graduate Aisha Parveen (25) told the audience of her own journey to achieving a degree from the University Centre at Blackburn College.

Aisha said: “I progressed from a Construction course at Blackburn College to a degree in BSc (Hons) Construction (Sustainable Design) at the University Centre at Blackburn College, where my degree was awarded by the current ‘University

of the Year’, Lancaster University.

“I was able to gain a UK Top 10 degree without having to move away from my family home.

“Valuable work experience in my degree led me to a graduate role at CAPITA – where I was able to give back to my local surroundings, helping on a range of local projects as a CAD Technician.

“Since then, I’ve progressed to Masonry Design where I continue to make my mark in the world of Construction working now on a range of UK-wide architectural and restoration projects.

“As a graduate of the University Centre, I owe a large part of my success to Blackburn College’s success in nurturing local talent through employment-focussed education.

“I am proof that you can stay local, achieve a top university degree and go on to successful graduate employment with opportunities which allow you to give back to the local places and community you call home.”

The other nominees for the award were Bia Hashmi, Jack Murray and Ummaih Shah.