Your 2026 Nation of Sanctuary Award winners

Last night we shared stories of courage and community as we gathered for the 2026 Nation of Sanctuary Awards. Hosted by the Welsh Refugee Council, this year’s celebration marked the fifth edition of the awards — and once again reminded us that sanctuary is built not only through policies, but through people.

From the powerful words of Deputy First Minister Sioned Williams MS speaking up for people finding sanctuary in Wales and our communities of welcome, to Ayoub’s captivating performance that gave us all goosebumps — the room felt magic.

With over 120 powerful nominations, selecting winners was no small task. But the results speak for themselves.

Meet this year’s outstanding award recipients:

🏆 Language Learner Award: Watfa Hasan arrived in the UK and took on English as her third language, all while raising five children. She’s worked tirelessly to learn, mastering each language level while studying child development and education. She balances multiple courses alongside family life, always focused on building a better future.

Highly Commended: Safiullah Ebadi, who shares his experiences to improve services for young people and supports peers in his community.

⚽ Contribution to Sport Award: Sara Shiel leads the Oasis football sessions with a brilliant team of volunteers from all over the world. Every Saturday, whatever the weather, they bring up to forty young people together to play and have fun.

Highly Commended: David Roberts’ passion at the Welsh Rugby Union is to help families feel part of their communities, build friendships, and find a real sense of belonging through shared experiences.

💡 Business and Innovation Award: My Sister’s House. Leyla has always had a gift for bringing people together. After arriving in Wales seeking sanctuary as a single mother of three, she built a reputation for warmth, generosity and unforgettable Kurdish food.

Highly Commended: Coffi Kava. Liudmyla and the team blends Ukrainian and Welsh flavours in her food, creating a welcoming space for locals and visitors.

🙌 Volunteer of the Year: Nataliia Panchenko leads projects for refugees and families facing isolation. Nataliia also supported local community work in Pembrokeshire and later launched a new project in Cardiff for older refugees.

Highly Commended: Nadira Hamrayeva, as a dedicated Play Project volunteer and co-chair of the Oasis parents’ steering group, Nadira is fully involved in creating safe play spaces for children in Cymru.

🎓 Academic Achievement Award: Svitlana Kravchenko. A single mother, former police lieutenant and dedicated student, Svitlana completed master’s degrees in law and psychology while rebuilding her life in Wales. Alongside her studies, Svitlana has supported Ukrainian women through art therapy and wellbeing sessions.

Highly Commended: Zahira Sabiri Tarin studies computer science at Cardiff Metropolitan University on a Sanctuary Award scholarship and confidently creates spaces for women to excel in their scientific studies.

🎨 Contribution to the Arts Award: Dovetail Cardiff is a community music group that uses singing and collaboration to bring people together. Since their very first rehearsal, they have welcomed everyone, no matter their background or experience.

Highly Commended: Dayana Carolyne Espinoza Jimenez leads “Coffee and Crocheting” for young women, creating a safe space to connect and learn new skills.

🌟 Inspiring Young Person Award: Ali Otman. Ali uses his lived experience to help young people access opportunities, from football teams to training and university visits. He builds trust, encourages confidence, and helps others feel they have a voice and a place.

Highly Commended: Fatma Nur Aksoy is a passionate advocate for equality, mental health and refugee rights in her previous role as Newport East representative in the Welsh Youth Parliament and on the Home Office Young People’s Board.

🌈 Equalities Champion: Women Connect First helps women build confidence and voice, creating a safe, welcoming space where they can grow, connect and belong.

Highly Commended: Nadir Taha is a calm trusted presence at the EYST Sanctuary Hub, where he works hard to make sure each person feels safe and understood.

💪 Woman of the Year: Viktoriia Kizim uses her background in acting to help children express themselves and build confidence. Through every project, she brings care and a strong sense of community, helping others feel supported and less alone.

Highly Commended: Yuliia Bond. Since arriving in Wales in 2022, Yuliia has become a strong community leader in Caerphilly, bringing people together and shining a light on refugee voices.

🧡 Nation of Sanctuary Award: Chai and Chat Neath Port Talbot. The group brings together asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and local Welsh residents, creating real connection across cultures and faiths.

Nation of Sanctuary finalists:

Gwynedd Resettlement Team offers calm, consistent support so people feel safe, welcomed and not forgotten, even during uncertain and challenging times.

The Ukrainian Hub helps people feel settled and included, while building real bridges between communities through culture and language.

The VOICES Network bring lived experience into decision-making spaces, helping ensure policies are more informed, humane, and inclusive.

As the night drew to a close, the room came together to hear Tahlia Dwyer’s reflections on this 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. A landmark agreement built on the belief that no person should ever return to face danger.

In Wales, we did not just sign up to those values. We chose to build on them. Our Nation of Sanctuary vision has shown that a small country can lead with fairness and courage. And every person who joined us for this year’s Nation of Sanctuary Awards is part of that story.

To all the nominees, winners, and supporters — diolch o galon for making Wales a Nation of Sanctuary.