Honouring kids making difference in community

Twelve years on, the local year seven student has defied the odds and is actively participating in soccer, swimming and cross country. He relies on a technology to assist with his education and is working towards his goal of memorising the Quran.
Umayr’s inspirational efforts were recognised last year with a City of Canterbury Bankstown Children and Youth Award, which honour local kids who are making a difference in the community.
His mum, Shifa Noor, said seeing her son accepting the award on stage brought tears of joy.
“It was a really dark time for us when we were told he might never take his first steps,” Ms Noor said.
“We’re so proud of how far he has come; he started walking at three and a half and he hasn’t stopped since.
“Umayr has worked so hard to get to where he is now. He goes to a mainstream school and even catches public transport to school by himself.”
Nominations for this year’s Children and Youth Awards are now open, and Council is looking for inspirational young people just like Umayr.
Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said the awards are all about shining a light on the incredible potential and achievements of our young community members.
“When it comes to our youth, a little bit of recognition can go a long way,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
“I know that we have so many young people in the community doing great things and we must celebrate their efforts and encourage them to keep up the good work.”
Ms Noor said Umayr is tackling his next challenge of high school and hopes to one day become an engineer.
“I always tell him that I should be learning from him,” Ms Noor said.
“The award really grew his confidence and I encourage other parents to nominate their children because it means so much to them.”
The 2024 Children and Youth Awards are open to children in years 3-6 and young people in years 7-12, across nine different categories. Nominations close 5pm, Sunday 22 September.
For more information and to nominate a young person, visit cb.city/CYAwards