by SHMOUN MAQSOOD

Pupil Joshua Booth for the Inspirational Adult Award nominated Abdul Jabbar Qasim Khan, who is a school welfare and child protection, officer at the Barlow RC High School in Manchester, for the award.

Manchester City Council ran a competition for youngsters to nominate someone who has played an important part in their lives.

Abdul's role at the school is to support pupils from various disadvantaged backgrounds ranging from poverty, social exclusion, abusive situations and attendance problems.

He offers a range of support on a daily basis to improve the lives of the pupils and to help them gain a better outlook on life and education.

Abdul, who received the award at a special ceremony at Manchester Town Hall said of receiving the award: "I am delighted to have been recognised and won this award and I'm really pleased that God has given me strength and knowledge to be able to have made a difference in Joshua life and many other pupils.

"Its nice to be appreciated, and get that recognition for what I've done, from Joshua and the City Council".

The Award seeks to recognise and reward the efforts of adults who work -either in a paid or voluntary capacity - with children and young people, and who make the most positive differences to those they work with.

Prior to working at Barlow RC High School, Abdul has also worked for the LEA as an Education Welfare Officer and also as a District Manager for the Education Welfare Service. He has also worked as an Outreach social worker for eight years with children and families in Manchester and Liverpool

Councillor Jeff Smith, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Children's Services, said: "It is clear from what we have been told by the young people who voted for them that the ten winners really do go the extra mile and regularly make a real difference to young lives.

Abdul received a crystal cut trophy and £100 while Joshua received £40 worth of children vouchers.

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