Young Scottish Minority Ethnic Award Winners 2009
14 December 2009

The Young Scottish Minority Ethnic Awards returned once again to celebrate the successes of individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds who have inspired others, as well as positively contributing to life in Scotland. Guests at this year's ceremony, held in Glasgow on 14 December 2009, included Minister for Housing and Communities, Alex Neil MSP; Annabel Goldie, Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party; and Councillor Ruth Black. The awards recognise the achievements of Scotland's minority Ethnic youth in the following categories: Community Service; Friend of the Environment; Arts Contribution; Sports Contribution; Career Achievement; Apprentice of the Year; Future Political Force; Science Technology & Engineering Initiative; and Spirit of Scotland.

Winners of the Young Scottish Minority Ethnic Awards 2009

Community Service winner: Denny Wong - award presented by Sergeant Ewan Henderson of Strathclyde Police

Denny Wong
Denny is a dedidicated and passionate youth worker whose significant help supporting young people to develop their skills and confidence has contributed positively to life in Scotland. His hard work has also resulted in a youth group 'CYSS' being formed, which is led - and managed - by young people on a voluntary basis.

Friend of the Environment winner: Nefertari Robertson - award presented by Amit Arora of the Oceanic Group

Nefertari Robertson
Nefertari entered the Miss Earth 09 competition to help educate people on the importance of conserving energy and recycling. She also volunteers at Yorkhill hospital.

Arts Contribution winner: #1blud - award presented by Kushairi Khalid of Touriam Malaysia

˜#1blud
Created in 2004, this group of street dancers aim to abolish racism and sectarianism through their routines.

Sports Contribution winner: Islam Feruz - award collected by Head of Professional Academy Celtic FC Tommy Mcintyre and presented by David Smith of Strathclyde Fire & Rescue

Islam Feruz
Somalia-born youngster, Islam Feruz, plays for Celtic and the Scotland U16's team.

Career Achievement winner: Aisha Kasim - award presented by Anas Sarwar

Aisha Kasim
Aisha Kasim started up 'Madame Hair' in 2007, in Aberdeen, and has since expanded her wig and hair piece business despite the recession. Aisha has been nominated for her voluntary work helping people who suffer from alopecia and cancer.

Apprentice of the Year winner: Fuad Warsame - award presented by Margaret Gibson of PSYBT

Fuad Warsame
Arriving in the UK aged 17, with no grasp of the English language, nor any formal qualifications, Fuad is now in his second year of his Modern Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering at Strathclyde University.

Future Political Force winner: Humza Yousaf - award presented by Annabel Goldie MSP Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party

Humza Yousaf
Humza has worked for the SNP for 5 years and has worked for both Nicola Sturgeon MSP and the late Bashir Ahmad MSP. He consistently drives forward the interests of Scots-Asians in the SNP and in the wider Scottish Community.

Spirit of Scotland winner: Active Life Club - award presented by Alex Neil MSP Minister for Housing and Communities

Active Life Club

ALC exists to empower young people through sports and personal development. The club tries to get more young people involved in the community and they aim to improve the lives of young people in Glasgow.

Science Technology & Engineering Initiative winner: Seraj Haque - award presented by John Legg, Director of RNIB

Seraj Haque

Seraj was part of a team whose experiment 'Do vibrations attract worms' was entered into the final stages of the CREST Awards. He has also taken part in the Big Bang National Science and Engineering Competition.