Recognising Outstanding Young People Making a Difference in Our Community
Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland has announced the winners of the Rotary Young Citizen Awards 2026, celebrating exceptional young people who are creating positive change in their communities. Now in its 19th year, the awards highlight the achievements of young volunteers whose dedication, compassion and leadership inspire those around them.
This year’s winners were recognised at a prestigious ceremony in Cheshire, alongside champions from Rotary’s Young Chef and Young Musician competitions. The event was hosted by Paralympian and Team GB wheelchair tennis star Abbie Breakwell, herself a former Rotary Young Citizen Award winner and now a Rotary GB&I Ambassador.
We are incredibly proud that two of the winners come from right here in Redbridge young people who volunteer with us in our libraries and have made a remarkable impact on the children and families they support.
Celebrating Sameer and Hafsa: Redbridge’s Young Citizen Award Winners
Muhammad Sameer and Hafsa Tehseen, a brother‑and‑sister team, were nominated by the Barkingside and Redbridge Rotary Club for their outstanding contribution to our library community. Both volunteer in our makerspaces, where they lead the hugely popular Kids Teaching Kids: Origami workshops.
Since February 2025, Sameer and Hafsa have delivered 12 sessions across two library venues, supporting more than 120 children to learn new creative skills, build confidence, and discover the joy of making something with their own hands. Their sessions are consistently in high demand, welcoming children of all abilities and fostering a warm, inclusive environment where creativity can flourish.
Their leadership, generosity, and commitment make them inspiring role models for young people across Redbridge. Through their workshops, they have helped strengthen our library community, encouraging children to learn from one another and feel a sense of belonging.
A Proud Moment for Redbridge
We extend our warmest congratulations to Sameer and Hafsa for their well‑deserved recognition. Their achievements reflect the values at the heart of our libraries — creativity, community, and the belief that young people can make a meaningful difference.
To watch the Rotary Young Citizen Awards 2026 and hear more about this year’s inspiring winners, you can view the video clip here:
