THE Outstanding Student of the Year award celebrates the young people inspiring change across the district.

This year’s finalists are Ahseem Yousuf, Hajra Bibi and Gina Jovanovich.

Ahseem is a film and television production student who graduated with a first-class honours degree. He worked over the pandemic to complete a documentary looking at mental health in the British Muslim community, which aired on British Muslim TV and online.

“The documentary was of particular interest as it showed a young man speaking about his own personal experiences, which encouraged other young men to come forward”, said a person who nominated him.

“Another documentary by Ahseem, Islam in Lockdown, was an innovative piece of work. Ahseem has always given 100 per cent to his studies, and this didn’t end when Covid arrived. He is determined to be a role model for other young Muslim men across Bradford, proving that working hard and being focused pays off.

“He has always tackled social issues that others may shy away from. His determination has encouraged others to do well and succeed.”

Hajra wrote a monologue addressing child sexual abuse for her Gold Arts Award, which “explored feelings of fear, disgust, denial, guilt and isolation that a victim may experience”, a person who nominated her said.

“She directed the monologue recording and used it to give a voice to other ESOL students who then wrote, performed and recorded their own monologues, helping them to improve their own speaking and listening skills and building their confidence to discuss important issues in a second language”, they added.

A person who nominated her added that, following her achievements, Hajra said: “I am a wallflower who prefers to watch what is happening rather than be at the forefront of it. Yet I have thoughts and feelings that are sometimes hard to share or portray. It is really difficult for me to make my voice heard, and it is such an effort to participate in any activities, but I know that this will improve me in the future.”

Georgina ‘Gina’ Jovanovich, who is studying Performing Arts at Bradford College, set up Pain Into Power, a support group for women in Bradford affected by chronic pain, with her sister Natalie.

After being diagnosed with endometriosis three years ago, Gina wants to help others lead full and happy lives. The group aims to encourage women to visit their GPs and to gain diagnoses and support to live with their conditions. Gina also wants to challenge misconceptions within some areas of medicine around conditions and illnesses that impact women.

“Gina is strong, determined and caring, and is proof that an invisible illness does not need to be a barrier to achieving your dreams”, said a person who nominated her.

“Gina and her sister, who is also affected by chronic pain, are building up a community of women who support each other. Alongside her degree, Gina is also hoping to become a personal trainer.”

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