Buckingham teenager given iconic purple plaque over free school meal scheme
Sulayman was inspired by Marcus Rashford's campaigning
A Buckingham teen has been recognised for this school meal scheme.
As part of the Census 2021 honours Community Heroes across the country are being awarded an iconic purple plaque, including in Buckinghamshire.
With census day just around the corner, people are being celebrated for the extraordinary contributions they have made.
From volunteering during the pandemic, to supporting those with mental health issues, the winners have made an amazing difference during a difficult time.
A star in Buckingham
The competition which received hundreds of entries across England and Wales, has awarded 14-year-old Sulayman for his services to his local community in Buckingham.
Last year Marcus Rashford campaigned to extend the free school meal voucher scheme through the holidays.
It was this campaigning that inspired Sulayman to create Buckingham Free Meals, despite being young he says he needed to do something:
"We were outrage at the Government vote to not extend free school meals into the October half term.
"So I went onto a local facebook group and asked if anyone wanted to help provide meals, because this vote would put a lot of people in a difficult position.
"Of course I would have preferred to not have to set this out, but one of the problems was the people who were responsible didnt deal with the issue of free school meals.
"So when I saw Marcus Rashford campaigning I thought that I am also a young person of colour and I can do a lot to help my community when they need it.
"Its great that myself and the other volunteers are being recognised. Hopefully it won't have to continue for much longer, but for now its been amazing helping people in the local community."
The entries were judged by a panel of noteworthy community champions, led by actress and presenter, Joanna Page:
“I am honoured to have been a judge on the Census 2021 community hero awards panel. It was such a pleasure to read through all the amazing entries.
"In what has been a difficult year for so many of us, this was a great opportunity to say thank you to the people who go above and beyond to serve their local community.”
Iain Bell, ONS Deputy National Statistician, commented:
“It has been incredible to see the reaction from local communities for this award which resulted in hundreds of entries across England and Wales.
"This is testament to just how many incredible people are doing amazing things, and how during this difficult year we have seen the best come out in people. We can all do something, however big or small, to help those around us.”