The outstanding educational progress of 84 young people was recognised at the annual Harlow Educational Progress Awards held in November at the Civic Centre.

The awards, organised by Harlow Council and the Harlow Strategic Educational Attainment Partnership, reward and recognise young people who have made significant progress in their education and who have made a real contribution to their schools and the community.

Among the award winners was Harlow College student Christina Saysell, who scooped the Outstanding Progression Award.

Despite being faced with many difficulties while on her course, Christina started a highly successful work placement in the College’s Skylight Restaurant and did so well that she has now progressed to a full-time Level 1 Hospitality course.

Christina's tutor, Anna Sadowska, said: “Her attitude to her course and work placement could not be better. Christina demonstrates an exemplary set of values such as commitment, conscientiousness and respect. She could be a motivation for many learners who do not use the opportunities to progress onto adulthood to the fullest. Christina used the opportunities that have been given to her and exceeded ever her own expectations.”

In front of a packed Council Chamber the young people collected their awards from Dame Claire Bertschinger DBE DL. Claire is Director for the Diploma in Tropical Nursing at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Before the awards Claire shared her inspirational story on how she progressed from school to work life not knowing she was dyslexia.

In 1984, Claire was working as an International Committee of Red Cross field nurse located in Ethiopia during the famine, running a feeding centre. When a BBC news crew appeared with reporter Michael Buerk, Claire gladly told her story to highlight the problems. It was this report that inspired Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to create Band Aid to raise money for Ethiopian famine relief.

Dame Claire Bertschinger DBE D, said: “It was an honour to be at the Harlow Educational Progress awards and meet such inspiring young people. These are inspirational future leaders for our planet. More young people like this and we are in good hands!”

Louise Turner, Deputy Principal at Harlow College, said: “We are delighted that Harlow College has been included in Harlow Council’s Harlow Educational Progress Awards 2016. Christina’s progress epitomises the huge strides so many of our students make towards securing higher qualifications and advanced skills for their successful progression to university, apprenticeships and employment.”

View the full roll of honour