A student from Ipswich who left war-torn Syria and Libya in 2024 has won his second award of the year thanks to his work in helping others whilst living in the UK.
After gaining refuge in England, 19-year-old Mahmoud Bassel started on an ESOL course at Suffolk New College and is now on a health and social care programme.
Earlier this year, the Ipswich resident won the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) student of the year accolade at Suffolk New College’s annual student showcase event.
And now he has jointly won The Andrew Towers Young Person of the Year Award.
(This award recognises an exceptional young person who has demonstrated determination, compassion and dedication in making a positive difference to their community. Presented in memory of Andrew Towers of Monks Eleigh Youth Club, it celebrates young people who inspire others through their actions and help demonstrate that age is no barrier to changing lives for the better).
(Izzy Owen was also joint winner of this award).
The event entitled Suffolk Community Awards Suffolk Community Awards have been made possible by Suffolk Association of Local Councils, Community Action Suffolk and Suffolk County Council Public Health and Communities.
This year, the occasion took place at the Museum of Food in Stowmarket.
He was chosen because Mahmoud has put all his hardship aside to dedicate his life to study and helping others.
Part of a submission written on his behalf, it stated: “Mahmoud Bassel is an exceptional young person whose kindness, dedication and commitment to helping others have made a significant impact within Suffolk New College and the wider community. Having arrived in the United Kingdom as a refugee from Syria and Libya, Mahmoud has embraced every opportunity available to him while consistently putting the needs of others before his own. Through volunteering, peer support and community engagement, he has become a trusted and respected figure among both staff and students.
It continued: “His willingness to support others helps create a welcoming environment where learners feel more confident, included, and supported. He volunteers in classes assisting students whose English skills are still developing.
“His contribution extends beyond the classroom. And he was one of the students who championed the introduction of a Culture Day at the college, helping create opportunities for students from different backgrounds to celebrate and share their countries of birth.”
On winning the award, Mahmoud said: “Winning this was a surprise. When I got the email, I was very happy. Two awards in a year means I must be doing something good.”
And on living in Ipswich, he added: “My time in Ipswich is going well, and I have lots of friends. In the future I want to go to university and study medicine and then become a doctor to help others like I have been helped.”
Mahmoud’s friend Sophie Rivers is a beauty student at the college. She said: “I’m very proud of him.”
Gill Atacocugu from the college nominated Mahmoud and said: “Mahmoud is the best of the best. He puts others before himself and is a tremendous asset to our community. We feel lucky to have him and will be supporting him all the way in his efforts to become a doctor.”