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S3 Addresses SAMEE’s Recognition and Appreciation Awards

Maryam H. (S3) had the privilege of delivering the welcome address at SAMEE’s Recognition and Appreciation Awards on Thursday 31st August 2023 at the Glasgow Marriott. The celebration is an opportunity to acknowledge and applaud the commitment, efforts, progress, achievements and triumphs of individuals, groups, and organisations across minority ethnic communities in Scotland.

Maryam addressed 400 guests from the public, private, and voluntary sectors including young people, volunteers, educators, parents, carers, collaborators, Deans, College Principals, University Vice Chancellors, Chief Executives and St Aloysius’ College staff Mrs. Piggot, Dr. Jobson, Mrs. Bastekin and Mrs. Rattan.

In her welcome address, Maryam shared her experiences of growing up in Scotland and acknowledged some of the challenges she faces as a young learner in Scotland with multiple identities. She spoke about the limitless encouragement from family and the St Aloysius’ College community. Maryam expressed a message of hope, and of the value of listening to those who are different as it will help those tasked with shaping her future to see, think, and do things differently.

Maryam became part of the Scottish Association of Minority Ethnic Educators’ (SAMEE) community at 8 years old and is SAMEE’s youngest “apprentice”. Her introduction to EDI in her early years has influenced her understanding of the importance of treating people with fairness and consideration.

As she continues her learning journey, both within and outwith the classroom, she is inspired by the conversations she has had with SAMEE, and the activities she has observed. Acknowledging the diverse cultures, traditions, languages, and ancestry of learners is important to her. For that reason, she contributed to SAMEE’s Humari Pehchan project, writing the story Nana and Manno. Gathering information for the story gave her a wonderful opportunity to learn so much about her family’s past, where her family were born, why her family migrated to Scotland, their hopes and dreams, the challenges her family faced and the strong sense of community and support from neighbours who became friends and their new family. Maryam was presented with a Special Recognition Award for her contribution to the Humari Pehchan project, by Lesley Whelan, Head of Professional Learning and Leadership at Education Scotland.

Well done for your amazing achievements Maryam! We can’t wait to see all of the great work you will continue to do.

Photos from SAMEE.