A YOUNG woman who tragically passed away aged just 25 is to be honoured with an award recognising her commitment to education.
Samia Afzal, an educational liaison officer with the Glasgow Children’s University at Strathclyde University, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018.
She faced difficult treatments, including surgery to remove a tumour, as well as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
But despite her ordeal, she remained dedicated to her job, returning to work five months after her cancer was spotted.
Samia rescheduled follow-up appointments around her job and despite feeling unwell as graduations approached in June 2019, she powered on.
She sadly died that year and her manager at the Children’s University Aileen Wilson remembers the organisation’s annual awards ceremony as the last time she ever saw Samia.
Now, the Samia Afzal Award for Outstanding Pupil Achievement has been created to help children into university.
Aileen said: “A Strathclyde scholarship for a widening access student was made in Samia’s name but we wanted to create something that related more to the Children’s University.
“This award is for a pupil who has not just simply logged a high number of credits but one that has pushed themselves outside of their comfort zone to try new things, to learn new skills and to be an inspiration to others – just like Samia.”
Rebecca Kyle has become its first recipient and was presented the award by Aileen at a ceremony at the 11-year-old’s school.
The primary seven St Rose of Lima pupil was hailed as an “inspiration” to other children.
Samia’s mum Shameem said: “We are really humbled by the award and so pleased that Samia’s name will live on through it. I know Samia herself would have been over the moon. She was passionate about her work and loved working with children, so it’s very fitting.”
Deputy Head teacher of St Rose of Lima, Mary Moore said: “We are incredibly proud of Rebecca’s achievements.
“We also cannot ignore the encouragement and support from her much-loved family, who I know could not be more proud of her.
“Her own sheer determination and commitment have also been central to her achievements and the achievements of others. I have no doubt Rebecca will go on to achieve great things – maybe one day she will be part of the Children’s University Team or a mentor herself.”
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here