Ipswich student wins second award for community work

Mahmoud Bassel, 19, from Ipswich, arrived in the UK in 2024 after fleeing conflict in Syria and Libya.

A refugee student has won a second community award (Image: Suffolk New College)

He began studying ESOL at Suffolk New College and is now enrolled in a health and social care programme.

Mr Bassel recently won the ESOL Student of the Year award at the college’s annual showcase and has now been named joint winner of the Andrew Towers Young Person of the Year Award at the Suffolk Community Awards.

Mr Bassel said: "Winning this was a surprise. When I got the email I was very happy.

"Two awards in a year means I must be doing something good."

This award recognises an exceptional young person who has demonstrated determination, compassion and dedication in making a positive difference to their community.

Part of a submission written on his behalf, it stated: "Mahmoud Bassel is an exceptional young person whose kindness, dedication and commitment to helping others have made a significant impact within Suffolk New College and the wider community.

"Having arrived in the United Kingdom as a refugee from Syria and Libya, Mahmoud has embraced every opportunity available to him while consistently putting the needs of others before his own.

"Through volunteering, peer support and community engagement, he has become a trusted and respected figure among both staff and students."

Mr Bassel volunteers to support students with limited English and helped introduce a Culture Day at the college to celebrate diverse backgrounds.

Mahmoud Bassel left war-torn Syria and Libya in 2024 (Image: Suffolk New College)

He said: "My time in Ipswich is going well and I have lots of friends.

"In the future I want to go to university and study medicine and then become a doctor to help others like I have been helped."

Beauty student Sophie Rivers said: "I'm very proud of him."