A huge congratulations to Gunes who has won the Annual Social Impact Award. He has been recognised by the UK Education Guide for his fantastic charitable work following on from the devastating earthquakes experienced in Turkey in February 2023, and still affecting communities in Turkey today.
After many hours of discussion and three meetings with the UK Education Guide team, Gunes was selected as the winner of this prestigious award from a group of outstanding applicants.
Commenting on Gunes' win, the UEG team said;
"He has not only gone the extra mile over the past year, but has truly blown us away with the continued work for his family, friends, school and everyone around him. Raising over £1200 following the Earthquakes in Turkey earlier on this year, Gunes set out on a mission to singlehandedly start a campaign shortly after, being supported by the Sidcot community!"
Upon hearing the news, Gunes was overjoyed and proud to be recognised for his work, commenting;
" As a person who knew people and who travelled to the area two months before the earthquake, it was heart-wrenching to witness the widespread destruction and devastation. It makes me proud to be able to do my best to support my people during hard times like this. I am truly grateful to everyone who has helped me and I feel extremely privileged to have been chosen as winner of this award when I know so many young people have also been making a huge difference to their communities"
As a School, we think it is vitally important to make a difference. It is part of our educational approach that we enrich learning by increasing awareness and sensitivity to local and international matters. In line with our Quaker values, we encourage our students to be confident and open-minded individuals who 'Let their lives speak'. That is why it is so fantastic to see students like Gunes use their position to make a difference to those in need. Commenting on Gunes' philanthropic work, Head of Sidcot School, Iain Kilpatrick, commented:
“As an International School we see first-hand the impact that natural disasters can have on our students so far away from home and unable to help their communities in person. It is a privilege to be able to support those like Gunes who want to provide practical help. We’re terrifically proud of him and his tireless pursuit of aid in support of those who needed it most. Congratulations Gunes on this well-deserved award.”
Congratulations to Gunes and all of the finalists for your fantastic work, and well done to the whole School for coming together to help those in need.
If you would like to read more about Gunes' work and why he was nominated for this award, you can read his entry here.