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Mayor congratulates young people at awards ceremony

Their achievements include overcoming drug addiction and finding permanent employment.

Looked after children and young people who have been in the council's care were honoured last week at the Achievement Awards Ceremony 2004.

41 young people aged 16-24 who are or have been in foster care or children's homes in the borough attended the event. They were recognised for a range of achievements in their personal lives and education including:

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Elvis Rexhmati, Stephen Othman,
the Mayor and Antonio De Nascimento

" overcoming drug addiction
" getting back into education following exclusions from school or prison sentences
" sitting on the council's fostering panel which assesses foster carers
" going on to higher education despite many difficulties
" finding permanent employment
" voluntary work such as developing an IT system for the children's rights service

Antonio De Nascimento, aged 20, who is now at university, said:
"While you try to do well for yourself, it's also nice to be recognised for all the hard work that you put in."

Curtis Philip, aged 20, said: "It was nice to meet all the other people that the young person's service has helped. Having an awards ceremony has shown that my commitment is appreciated and my hard work has been noticed."

Elvis Rehxmati, aged 19, said: "The young people's service is brilliant because it recognises the efforts of people like myself."

The awards were presented by the Mayor, Cllr Charlie Treloggan who gave the young people a certificate and a CD voucher. The Mayor said: "All of the young people receiving these awards have achieved a remarkable amount.

"Children in care have often faced difficult situations - the loss of a parent, abuse, exclusion from school - that most people are fortunate enough not to have to deal with. It is testament to their courage that they have taken steps towards dealing with their problems or creating a future for themselves."