An Ilford student has been nominated for an award after overcoming adversity at home to excel at school and help other young people.

Nahian Joyeta, 16, has been nominated for the Recorder/Redbridge Rotary Club's Young Citizen Award for her "inspiring" contributions to her school and community.

The teen became a pupil at the Ursuline Academy, Ilford in March 2021.

It was here she developed a keen interest in mathematics and robotics that have provided a release from her challenging home life, the school said.

After Nahian's mum underwent a major surgery, she supported her mother through her recuperation.

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The family has also experienced being evicted and have moved between homes and hotels during her time in school, an Ursuline Academy spokesperson said.

Despite absences as a result, Nahian's passion for school life has prevailed.

The spokesperson said: “Nahian is a remarkable Year 11 student at The Ursuline Academy Ilford, consistently demonstrating a strong desire to make a positive impact in various ways.

“Her commitment to her family, friends, and those in need is commendable, making her an inspiration to all of us.

“Nahian's journey is truly inspiring, showcasing resilience, dedication, and a strong commitment to making a positive impact in various areas of her life.”

The 16-year-old has flourished in the school’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programme, they added, and was recently a member of the team which won the Design Future London Challenge for 2023.

Nahian has also helped other young girls discover the industry as she has become a key figure in the Stemettes mentoring programme.

The school commended Nahian for “her passion for addressing sustainable issues as well as gender and ethnic disparities within the STEM field".

Nahian has also organised an awareness campaign for Islamophobia Awareness Month that was supported by the school.

Outside of education, Nahian keeps herself busy by taking part in several community initiatives.

She is a member of the Redbridge Youth Council where she discusses issues faced by young people in Redbridge and the availability of opportunities with businesses for young people. 

The teen is also a child-friendly Redbridge ambassador.

Nahian is working closely with aid organisation Unicef and police to make the area a more friendly place for young people, with a focus around vaping.

A spokesperson for the Ursuline Academy said: “Nahian's story serves as a beacon of inspiration for others, showcasing the possibilities that arise from hard work, resilience, and a commitment to creating positive change.

“Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of education, community engagement, and personal dedication in overcoming challenges and making a lasting impact.

“As she continues to pursue her goals, Nahian stands out as a future leader and role model, embodying the spirit of the school motto ‘serviam’ to serve, in making a meaningful difference to her community and quite possibly in the world.”

The Young Citizen Award recognises the outstanding achievements of young people in the borough aged 25 and under.