‘Inspirational’ student gets national volunteering recognition from a Dame in the House of Lords

A Ukrainian teenager who came to the UK to escape the war in her homeland has embraced a new life in Britain by dedicating her time to helping others.

Mariia Yakymenko, 18 from near Bury, arrived in the county of Suffolk in May 2022.

Since then, the Abbeygate Sixth Form College student has set about using her spare time by helping people and was part of a group that raised over £2000.00 for an orphanage in Thailand.

In addition to this, Mariia gives her time to work as a volunteer for West Suffolk Hospital, helps put together classes for children at her a church in Long Melford and runs sessions at her local Beavers group.

As a result of her efforts Mariia was nominated for Student Volunteer of the Year Award in an inaugural awards event that was set up by an organisation called ‘Good for ME Good for FE’.

This institution created a national campaign to encourage those related to further education to drive a sustainable programme of community action across the country and they recently recognised individuals who have taken on this challenge and rewarded them for their efforts.

Mariia received the Highly Commended Student of the Year accolade at an event that was held in London last month.

She accepted her award from Dame Sally Dicketts during a ceremony that took place in the House of Lords.

Mariia said: “I like being helpful. The smallest help is appreciated by others. When I found out (I had won this award), I told my host family and they were shocked but so proud of me.

“Not many British people get this chance to visit House of Lords so it was a great honour. I met Baroness Nicky Morgan and Stephen Howlett CBE DL who is a deputy lieutenant for London. During Stephen’s small speech, he said that he managed to get his degree at West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds.

“After the ceremony, we got to sit on the balcony of the House of Lords and the view of the London Eye and the River Thames was amazing.

“I was very happy to have this opportunity. It was great to share the moment with one member from my host family and Anna (Iancu), my personal progress tutor at school."

Nadine Payne is the Eastern Education Group Director of Careers, Opportunities and Progression and said: “Mariia Yakymenko is an inspiration to us all. Having joined us last year from the Ukraine she has got stuck into everything that Abbeygate Sixth Form College has to offer and she is hoping to study medicine next year.

“Abbeygate is committed to encouraging students to volunteer in the communities to help those in need via a number of initiatives and Mariia’s efforts being recognised in this way will only serve to inspire our young people to follow her lead.”

Her personal progress tutor at Abbeygate Sixth Form College, Anna Iancu, said: “Most of the winners were from big city colleges so it makes it even more amazing that a student from Abbeygate Sixth Form College won this.

“I went up to the podium and spoke about Mariia and her achievements (during the ceremony). We are so proud of Mariia. She truly is an inspiration.”

In addition to this award, Mariia received a community champion award at the annual Eastern Education Group celebration event held at the Cathedral in Bury in June 2022.