Leeds City College

An inspirational learner at Leeds City College is celebrating being nominated for her second major educational award.

Juwairia Junaid, who is currently studying for a Level 3 Preparation to Work in Health and Social Care diploma, was named Learner of the Year in the NCFE Aspiration Awards 2022.

The 18-year-old has now been shortlisted for the same title in the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) annual awards, and will find out if she’s won in October.

Juwairia, who was born blind, has to use a lot of extra technology to pursue her studies and is accompanied by a learning assistant around campus. But those additional challenges haven’t stopped her from excelling academically, nor from taking on extra-curricular tasks – including presenting a local radio show* that shines a light on disability issues.

Delighted with her FAB award nomination, Juwairia said: “This is really good news and shows that, speaking as someone with a disability, we are capable of doing anything that non-disabled people can do.”

Programme Manager, Tracy Jardine, added: “This further nomination from the FAB awards is a well-deserved validation of Juwairia’s achievements, and of her inspirational approach and engagement with learning.”

Juwairia is aiming to progress to university with a view to becoming a CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) therapist.

She has already completed two successful years at Leeds City College, completing the Level 2 Preparation to Work in Health and Social Care and the Level 2 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care courses.

This year’s FAB award winners will be announced at Leicester’s Marriott Hotel on 20 October.

*The Disabled Table, which Juwairia co-presents.