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University of York

Students honoured at Yorkshire Asian Young Achiever Awards

Posted on 4 December 2023

Three students from the University of York have been recognised for their achievements at the Yorkshire Asian Young Achiever Awards.

From left to right: Noreen Khan, awards host, Mohammad Malik, and Antoine Bonenkamp, LanguageCert.

The University is also a sponsor of the awards, which are organised by the QED Foundation, a registered charity which exists to improve the social and economic position of disadvantaged communities in partnership with public, private and civil society organisations.

Mohammad Malik won the award for Achievement in Education. He is studying for a PhD in Politics, but has had a challenging journey to reach this point, including needing to withdraw from University due to caring commitments. He now draws on his experiences to provide mentorship for students who want to enter higher education or study for a PhD.

VC Award

He is also active in the Student Action for Refugees group, organising fundraising events, trips to Calais to deliver clothes and toiletries to refugee camps, and helping Afghan refugees to settle in York.

An advocate for inclusion and equality at the University, Mohammad has run workshops on anti-racist practice, produced a comprehensive report on the experiences of BAME LGBTQ+ students and created safe spaces for discussion. He has also recently received the VC’s Award at our Inclusive Impact Awards.

Supportive community

Mohammad said: "The YAYA's celebrate Asian talent from across Yorkshire. It was a privilege to even be nominated amongst such fantastic change makers. To win the award was truly amazing. I've been at the University of York for less than a year, but to be a part of such a socially-conscious and supportive community has given me the opportunities I would never have had."

Tanisha Jain is the first Asian woman to be York Sport Union President, and is committed to removing barriers and improving inclusion in sport. She won the award for Achievement in Sport. During her time in post, she has increased diversity in sport at York, with participation by the BAME and LGBTQ+ communities rising by around 30%. 

Empower others

Tanisha said: “Winning the YAYA award in Sport  means the world to me, to be able to educate and empower other people in a field so close to my heart is all I’ve ever wanted, and to be recognised for it feels wonderful! I hope this proves to everyone out there that sports truly is a place for anybody and everybody.”

In further recognition for York students, Rohan Ashar was Highly Commended for the Not for Profit Achievement award. As YUSU Activities Officer, he promoted volunteering projects encouraging students to look beyond their academic life and engage with the local community.

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