A 13-YEAR-OLD boy from Bradford is among those who have been recognised for their “exceptional contribution” to the district over the Covid-19 pandemic.

Muhammad Habib, a student at Oasis Academy Lister Park, was the youngest ‘community champion’ to be recognised by the Volunteering Interfaith Partnership (VIP), for his work in helping to provide elderly and vulnerable people in Bradford with hot meals, well-being packs and other essential items.

Habib handed out Christmas hampers and Ramadan platters to those most in need during lockdown, and was recognised for his efforts in a special ceremony held on Tuesday.

He was presented with his award by Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, on behalf of Strengthening Faith Institutions, a national organisation backed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. 

The teenager has been described as a “role model” to others across the district, and added that he will continue to carry out his charitable work, even as we move out of lockdown.

“I am very happy that I have received this award, and I will continue to support those people who need our help, particularly the elderly”, Habib said.

“I am very lucky that my grandparents live with me in the same house, but quite a few of the elderly people I helped live on their own, and they don’t have anyone to talk to or do shopping for them. 

“Their children and grandchildren live far away, and one lady told me that she normally sees her grandson on Christmas day, but due to Covid, she was unable to do so this year.

“But she was very happy to see me and wanted to talk to me for hours, to find out about my school and what I enjoyed doing.

“I enjoy helping others and will keep doing this volunteering work in my spare time and at the weekends.

“I feel blessed that I can use my spare time to help people who need our help.  I will also ask my friends to join the VIP programme, and encourage them to help those people who need support, too.”

The VIP was set up in March 2020, in conjunction with Age UK, as a response to the pandemic. The project has helped to bring different faith groups and communities in Bradford together in the name of supporting some of the district’s most vulnerable.

Tuesday’s ceremony aimed to highlight the contributions of those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support members of their community.

Other recipients of awards include Professor Zahir Irani, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Bradford, for his work in helping to organise and distribute meals for students at the university over lockdown. 

More than 500 meals were distributed to struggling students, and almost £30,000 of funding was raised to support those students who were in particular need of help.

Two Bradford Imams – Imam Mohammed Zubair and Imam Mussa – were also recognised for their work in helping local residents, who were mainly elderly and lonely, with shopping and food.

Another recipient was Dr Manoj Joshi DL, Past District Governor for Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, and Chairman of Governors at Bradford Academy, for his work in getting local business leaders and members of Rotary on board to support vulnerable people across the district.

Dr Ferrestah Fallah was also recognised for her role in helping to get women involved in the fight against Covid-19, while Reverend Nathan Javed, of Grace Baptist Mission, was honoured for his work in helping Christian communities play their parts.

Ashraf Miah, of Shipley Islamic and Education Centre, was also given an award for helping to tackle vaccine hesitancy in Bradford’s Bangladeshi community. 

Dr Javed Bashir, Founder of the VIP, said: “Over the last fifteen months, we have witnessed many extraordinary acts of kindness and support by people in Bradford.

“We have always known there are good people in our community, but the challenges posed by the pandemic have highlighted those exceptional people more than ever before. It is really brought out the best in our communities.

“It was especially important that we recognise those individuals who have gone beyond their duty to help those vulnerable and lonely people who needed practical and emotional support. 

“Muhammad Habib, in particular, is a role model and an inspiration for other young people in the district, and he has demonstrated the importance of doing something worthwhile for your neighbours and your community.”