Gulistan Aksahin Wins Talent Award

On Wednesday 26th November 2008 HRH The Prince of Wales, President of Business in the Community, was joined by HRH Princess Badiya bint El Hassan of Jordan to celebrate the achievements and positive contributions made to society by young emerging Muslim talent at the Mosaic Talent Awards at the Natural History Museum.

Over 500 guests looked on in admiration as 15 year old Gulistan Aksahin, who attends Connaught School for Girls, became one of eight inspirational winners in celebration of their achievements and positive contributions made to society. The winners were selected because they had set themselves apart in showing extraordinary talent and dedication in one of eight categories - Entrepreneur of the Year; Science & Technology; Arts, Culture & Media; Community Leadership); Sports; Volunteer of the Year; Interfaith (open to all faiths); and International.

The inaugural Mosaic Talent Awards for Excellence were held to mark Mosaic’s first year of activity. Mosaic is a Muslim led initiative working to break down barriers across British society, convened by Business in the Community (BITC), one of Prince Charles’ charities. It encourages linkages between successful Muslim professionals and disadvantaged young Muslims, in order to raise aspirations and increase access to opportunities for education and employment.

Gulistan won the Volunteer of the Year Award, recognising her work at home caring for her parents and severely disabled siblings and her selfless volunteer work at Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford that includes raising money in school. Frances Scott, Deputy Headteacher at Connaught School for Girls commented that “Gulistan deserves recognition for her considerable contribution to the local hospice community. How many adults, let alone 15 year olds, can fit so much into their days?”

Attending the Awards ceremony at the Natural History Museum with Gulistan was Jan Donovan, Head of Year 11 at Connaught School for Girls. After Gulistan was presented with her award by Prince Charles and interviewed by a Pakistani television crew Mrs Donovan said “I am extremely proud of Gulistan. She thoroughly merited this award and she carried herself throughout the evening with great dignity. Gulistan is an extremely mature young woman and is a credit to her family and Connaught School”.