A ROHINGYA refugee who spoke no English when he escaped to Bradford said the city opened his eyes and he wanted to give back to those who welcomed him.
Mohammed Amin won the Covid Community Star Award at Community Stars Awards 2021 take place at The Bradford Hotel last Wednesday.
There were 2,099 votes in the category in total, with Mr Amin receiving 1,338 of those.
The other finalists were, Shummell Uddin and Denholme Assist.
“Mr. Amin, upon receiving his award, expressed overwhelming gratitude, stating, ‘To be honest, I am speechless and immensely proud. The overwhelming support from the community, as reflected in the votes, is truly humbling. Winning this award is a tremendous honor, and I am deeply grateful to all those who have acknowledged my efforts. It brings me great joy to know that my contributions have made a difference in people’s lives, and I am incredibly thankful for their recognition.'”
The Rohingya people have suffered persecution and discrimination in Myanmar (previously Burma) for decades and hundreds of thousands were forced to flee to refugee camps in Bangladesh from August 2017, to escape the military’s crimes against humanity and possible genocide.
Mr Amin himself a Rohingya lived in refugee camp and said he had no direction when he came to Bradford – “My entire life, I didn’t have enough opportunity to study or to grow in camp”. My life was restricted, until I came to Bradford.“Coming to Bradford, it’s opened my eyes, because of the support Bradford has provided me to be able to be who I am today.”
Bradford gave Mr Amin direction that, through no fault of his own, he had been lacking in his life and he wanted to give back. Mr Amin channels the experiences of Rohingya refugees to support new people arriving in the city to integrate and thrive. This includes advice on housing, welfare, healthcare, schools and accessing immigration support.
As a beacon of hope and a tireless advocate for positive change, Mohammed Amin has demonstrated exceptional leadership and selflessness throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. His commitment to serving others and addressing the needs of the most vulnerable has earned him widespread recognition and admiration.
At the heart of Mohammed’s success lies his deep-rooted compassion and unwavering determination to uplift those in need. Whether it be organising food distribution drives, coordinating essential supplies, or providing invaluable support to families facing hardship, Mohammed’s initiatives have touched the lives of countless individuals, offering hope and relief during challenging times.
Through his dedication and tireless efforts, Mohammed Amin has exemplified the true spirit of community resilience and solidarity. His ability to mobilise support and galvanise action has not only inspired others but has also fostered a sense of unity and collective purpose within the community.
As the deserving recipient of the Covid Community Star Award, Mohammed Amin’s victory serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact that one individual can have in creating positive change. His tireless advocacy and unwavering commitment to serving others have set a shining example for us all to follow.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mohammed Amin on this well-deserved recognition and commend him for his outstanding contributions to the Bradford district and beyond. May his success continue to inspire others to strive for excellence and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around them.