A teenage volunteer from Bradford who only moved to the country six years ago has been chosen as one of the nation’s Coronation Champions as part of an official Coronation project organised by the Royal Voluntary Service.
Almost 5,000 nominations were received in total for the awards and Shamza Butt, 18, is one of 500 outstanding volunteers to be chosen as the nation’s Coronation Champions.
Shamza was nominated for the award by NCS (National Citizen Service) Trust, for her work helping others be celebrated or have a voice and for working on campaigns around crime and bullying.
As a Coronation Champion Shamza will receive a specially designed, official Coronation Champions pin and a certificate signed by His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort. Shamza also received an invite to attend a Coronation Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, where she mingled alongside Their Majesties and other members of the Royal Family.
Commenting on becoming a Coronation Champion, Shamza said: “Achieving this honourable award in less than six years being in the UK fills me with a sense of pride and accomplishment, and I look forward to continuing with all the volunteering work and doing more for my community as I spend more time getting to know my city.
“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be invited to Buckingham Palace for the garden party. I had the chance to speak to so many people who are doing great things in their communities, key workers, teachers, mentors and many volunteers. Listening to their journeys make me once again realise the power of volunteering and how it can positively impact a community.”
When Shamza arrived in the UK from Italy in 2017 she couldn’t speak English, was low on confidence and had to adapt to a new life in West Yorkshire. Fast forward to now and she has taken on a swathe of volunteering opportunities to encourage positive change.
Volunteering with NCS back in 2020 was the kick-start Shamza needed. She helped create a project that celebrated key workers in Bradford. A mural was displayed at local landmarks celebrating the city’s diversity. The eye-catching campaign even earned her a trip to a Downing Street reception with the Prime Minister.
Next, Shamza and her NCS team helped the train operator Northern develop a video that raised awareness of unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport.
As well as volunteering at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Shamza is also Peer Researcher for the Peer Action Collective (PAC), working on campaigns around crime and bullying.
Her community focussed achievements have helped shape Shamza’s career ambitions and she has now secured an apprenticeship with the police, so she can continue to help people, improve her area and be a role model for other young people.
Discussing her motives behind applying to the police force Shamza added: “because of my work done in the community and my time on NCS, I am driven to helping people and that’s what motivated me to get involved in Public Services. NCS have been a big motivator for me wanting to help people.”
Jonny Marshall, of NCS Trust, said: “Shamza is a shining example of how young people can build on their strengths through positive experiences. Shamza says yes to every worthwhile opportunity she sees, and has built up a strong community ethos along the way, with a true desire to help others and create positive change.
“It was an absolute pleasure to nominate Shamza as a Coronation Champion as she’s made a massive difference to her community – and herself – through her selfless determination.”
Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service, said: “Our judges had a tough job selecting just 500 Champions from an array of thousands of inspirational individuals, who all deserve to be recognised and commended.
“Each of our Coronation Champions displayed a commitment and contribution that far exceeds any expectation and we’re overjoyed to honour and thank them during this exciting point in history.”
