Meet your 2025 Nation of Sanctuary Award winners

Nominee at the Nation of Sanctuary Awards.Last night we shared stories of courage and community as we gathered for the 2025 Nation of Sanctuary Awards. Hosted by the Welsh Refugee Council, this year’s celebration marked the fourth edition of the awards — and once again reminded us that sanctuary is built not only through policies, but through people.

From the powerful, generous words of Jane Hutt MS, to Chinyere’s breathtaking performance that gave us all goosebumps — the room felt magic. Real, joyful, moving. And above all, united.

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: Monera Esmail
A single mother and interpreter supporting sanctuary seekers across Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport, Monera is a shining example of how language learning can become a lifeline — not only for oneself, but for entire communities.

Highly Commended: Hanna Aleksieieva, a dedicated ESOL learner and aspiring teaching assistant who has given back through volunteering and community gardening.

⚽ Contribution to Sport Award: Awara Rasul
A tireless champion of grassroots football, Awara has transformed the Kurdish Cymru Football Club into a multicultural hub for players from across the globe. His commitment to coaching, mentoring, and youth work is unmatched.

“My mum tells me to do as much as you can. Do it for the people who need you.”Awara 

Highly Commended: Olori Ijarhe, who runs inclusive sports programmes at Swansea’s African Community Centre.

💡 Business and Innovation Award: Baris Aksoy
Entrepreneur, employer, fundraiser, and quiet community hero — Baris has built a series of thriving businesses across Wales and channels his success into support for others, from free meals to million-pound fundraising for global relief.

Highly Commended: Yaroslav and Oksana Izviekov, Ukrainian café owners in Wrexham who have built a cultural and communal hub through food and generosity.

🙌 Volunteer of the Year: Awara Rasul
Yes, again! Awara’s second award of the night recognises over two decades of selfless service — from tech support and translation at an internet café to weekend football and mentoring for Kurdish youth.

Highly Commended: Angela Phillips, who quietly uplifts her community through foodbank work, school support, and tireless guidance for families in need.

🎓 Academic Achievement Award: Judith Nkwopara
From short courses to a master’s degree at Cardiff University, Judith has not only broken academic barriers but paved the way for future sanctuary seekers through advocacy and policy change.

Highly Commended: Saba Rahimy, a Swansea PhD student researching astrophysics while mentoring others and fighting for equity in academia.

🎨 Contribution to the Arts Award: Aurora Trinity Collective
This collective of women with lived experience of seeking sanctuary has created a vibrant space for healing and expression through textile and visual arts — making waves in galleries and communities across Wales.

Highly Commended: Noah Bakour, a Syrian-born filmmaker whose visual storytelling bridges urban and rural Welsh communities and amplifies young voices.

🌟 Rising Star Award: Mirac Solmaz Three women holding hands at the Nation of Sanctuary Awards.
In just over a year, Mirac has gone from newcomer to elected member of the Welsh Youth Parliament, using her voice to advocate for sanctuary seekers and lead by example.

Highly Commended: Mohammed Al Shameri, a young leader known for uplifting others through translation, youth engagement, and public advocacy.

🌈 Equalities Champion: Mums and Toddlers Foundation Swansea
A grassroots initiative breaking down barriers for mothers seeking sanctuary, offering free childcare, ESOL access, and a vital sense of belonging.

“This award is for all mothers seeking sanctuary here in Wales and for all children. As a community we’ll continue to make a difference to the lives of women here in Wales” Mums and Toddlers Foundation Swansea

Highly Commended: Glitter Cymru, a volunteer-led LGBTQI+ group advocating for those too often overlooked — even within the sanctuary space.

Finalist gives a speech at the Nation of Sanctuary Awards.💪 Woman of the Year: Hoyam Osman
A fearless advocate and community organiser, Hoyam’s work spans classrooms, UN platforms, and kitchens — wherever change and compassion are needed most.

Highly Commended: Tamara McSween, a single mother whose steady care supports new mums and builds resilient communities from the ground up.

🧡 Nation of Sanctuary Award: Abergavenny Town of Sanctuary Abergavenny Town of Sanctuary Winners of the Nation of Sanctuary Awards.
From sewing circles to food banks and horse-riding projects, this small-town collective is doing big work — building a true sanctuary through kindness, trust, and inclusion.

“I’m lost for words. It means a lot because our volunteers work so hard and are so committed. We’re one hundred per cent grassroots, doing the day to day support of refugees and sanctuary seekers.”  Abergavenny Town of Sanctuary   

Highly Commended: The Gap Centre Newport, a longtime provider of holistic support and wellbeing services rooted in community and care.

As the lights dimmed and hearts swelled, one message rang clear: sanctuary is not just a status.

It’s an act. A welcome. A commitment.

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