18-year-old Ethan Rashid from Vine URC in Ilford is another young person who has been noticed for the part he plays in the mission of God. Always a keen helper for over three years in Pilots and in holiday clubs within his church, he has found a new way to use his skills and talents to help others. Sandra Ackroyd, youth leader at the church, explained why she nominated him: 

 "The outstanding piece of work he has done in the past 2 and a half years, whilst in the sixth form, is tutoring maths in one of the church youth programmes- ‘The Education Workshop Programme,’ which helps young people who need extra support in Maths, English and Science. He made a commitment to tutor maths which is the subject he is now studying at university. His commitment has been outstanding, every Tuesday in term times.  

Being very familiar with the maths syllabus for Key Stage 3 and GCSE, he has been able to help (during the last two and a half years between lockdowns) up to 10 young people. A few of the students are challenging in different ways. Ethan has been able to gain respect from all the students and has achieved a positive response, including enabling the two most challenging boys to produce some positive pieces of work which other tutors in the other two subjects have not experienced the same level of success.

Ethan carefully checks all their maths work and affirms them when they have put in an effort. He has worked diligently, consistently with care and calmness and has been an effective young role model to younger young people in the youth and community youth programmes run by Vine United Reformed Church .He has a quiet spirituality which shows genuine acceptance of others and their possibilities." 

It is a real gift to have skill and understanding in Maths, but a far greater gift to be able to share that skill with others in a way that builds up their confidence and helps them fulfil their potential. We wish Ethan all the best as he goes off to university to develop those skills futher.