Derry Credit Union - Carer Award winners

Marwa Alberro: Winner

Marwa Alberro was nominated by St Mary’s College teacher Clare Doherty in recognition for the time she commits to selflessly caring for her brother Hasan who has long term health requirements and complex disabilities. As a busy fifteen-year-old working toward completing her GCSE coursework and final module exams Marwa also has a caring role which is vital to her family.

Unfortunately, her brother Hasan is often admitted to hospital. Marwa's role on numerous occasions has been to translate for her family and for the doctors who are caring for Hasan.

She has helped by asking about medications and passing concerns from her parents to the doctors as well as medical information from Hasan's doctors to her parents.

She has on many occasions been required to stay overnight at the hospital with Hasan and a parent as well as to stay on her own when her parents are unable to. She has three younger siblings who she also supports at home as the member of her family with the best translation and English skills.

Not only does Marwa take on this added caring role selflessly and without complaint or expectation of recognition for her family, but she also finds time to volunteer in her community at the local mosque.

At the mosque she helps the Arabic teacher and the younger students with translating. The teacher knows only a little English and the students are there to improve their Arabic. Marwa helps to translate Arabic to English as well as marking their homework and helping lessons run smoothly.

Ms Doherty writes, ‘In school Marwa is an exemplar student who is working hard to achieve her full potential in her upcoming GCSE’s. She is a valued member of our School Council and an active member of the Environmental Club. She is a kind, considerate and exceptionally well-mannered student.’

John Paul McLaughlin: Winner

Year 9 pupil John Paul McLaughlin was nominated by St Brigid’s College teacher Bríd Gallagher. Ms Gallagher writes, ‘Since meeting John Paul a year and a half ago, I have been struck by his lovely manners, cheerful disposition, and caring approach towards others. In school, John Paul has demonstrated that he is a friend to everyone. he goes out of his way to ensure that others feel included and he has been slowly growing in confidence as he has settled into secondary school. John Paul is actively involved in many extra-curricular activities, has excellent attendance and tries his best in every endeavour.

John Paul has been nominated for a carer award because he is a carer for his mother, who is blind.

At 14 years of age, John Paul not only manages his own life at school, but he also assists his mother with the running of the home. From a young age, John Paul could be relied upon to make dinner, go shopping, do laundry and assist with any household tasks his mother requires help with.

John Paul also assists his younger sister, Mairéad, with her schoolwork and takes care of her when required. John Paul does all of this without complaint and without seeking praise or special treatment.

In conclusion, Ms Gallagher writes, ‘John Paul is an excellent role model for any child or adult. He is naturally caring, courteous, respectful, and responsible: the four pillars of St Brigid’s College. We are very proud to call John Paul our pupil and feel he would be a worthy recipient of this award.’

Sarah Geary: Runner-up

Sarah Geary is a young carer for her older sister Rebecca who has Specific Learning Difficulties and is severely autistic. Rebecca faces many challenges every day but Sarah is always there to help with everyday tasks whilst being Rebecca’s best friend.

Sarah’s nominator, Thornhill College teacher Mrs Johnston, writes, ‘It is just lovely to have someone so young take on this huge responsibility and do it so well. This kindness and compassion are qualities that do not go unnoticed by Sarah’s peers or teachers. Sarah is always there to lend a helping hand in the classroom and support others when she can.’

Being a young carer can be extremely difficult and this was only be exacerbated by Covid, yet Sarah has always taken this all in her stride, coming into school everyday with a huge smile on her face to brighten everybody's day.

Sarah often volunteers to help her mum at Circle of Support (COS), a charity helping autistic children and their families. She dedicates much of her free time, even giving up Saturdays to helping those in need. Sarah also volunteers to help with a mother a toddler group working with deaf children.

Sarah makes a positive contribution to our school and also strives to make our city a better place for our young people. Last year, she participated in an event run by Barnardos in Stormont where young people could speak with policy makers and discuss what young people want for Northern Ireland and their future.

Sarah not only attended to ensure that she had a voice, but that she was Rebecca’s voice also.

Mrs Johnston writes, ‘Sarah is truly is an outstanding member of the school community, and we are very proud to call her a Thornhill College pupil.’

Sarah McAvoy: Runner-up

Sarah McAvoy was nominated by Una Coye for role as a foster sister. Una says, ‘ For the last three years, Sarah has shown strength, maturity and resilience that far exceeds any adult.

'She has shown so much love and commitment not only to the children who have been in the family’s care but also to the wider families of the children.’

Fostering can sometimes be tough and emotional but Sarah’s support has helped her mum and dad give their best to the children in their care. Una says Sarah is a constant calming influence on difficult days. She encourages each child to settle in and provides loving and comforting hugs when needed.

Una writes, ‘Once you’ve come into Sarah’s life, you are there forever.’

Indeed, Sarah has stayed in contact with many of the children who have moved on or returned home from foster care.

Una concludes by saying that her entire family, especially her mum and dad and cousins, all admire Sarah and are extremely proud of her.