A 14 year old from Toxteth won the has Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity 2022 Student Inspiration Award.
Liverpool City Region (LCR) Mayor, Steve Rotheram was unable to attend the awards but wanted to meet winner Khan Odita to congratulate him. An invitation was made, Khan accepted, and the two met on April 11.
Mayor Rotheram met him at the site where Khan has campaigned to turn a plot of land into a community garden. During the meeting they spoke about the work Khan does in his community.
READ MORE: Martin Lewis' tips for helping households spend less including washing machine hacks
Khan told the ECHO : "I was thrilled when the Mayor asked to meet me. This is the first person of his level that's taken an active interest in what I'm trying to achieve and wanted to come and listen to what my plans were.
"Steve Rotheram is a great down to earth guy who genuinely cares about engaging with communities and especially listening to the views of young people in the region. After speaking with him and building a nice rapport he offered me work experience at LCR and I will be taking him up on his offer next year".
Mayor Rotheram told the ECHO: “People across the Liverpool City Region have always had a strong sense of pride and community spirit. During the tough times we’ve faced over the last few years, we’ve seen it come to the fore.
"It’s been incredible to see how communities have stepped up to help each other. Khan has been doing some fantastic work in his area to better the natural environment for the whole community, all while juggling his studies.
"He’s a great role model for people, young and old, to show what can be achieved when a community works together with a common purpose. He even told me that he would like my job - and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him there one day!”
Khan, one of 733 nominations across 13 awards, the youngest in his category, said: "I was honoured and shocked to win. Other nominees were brilliant in their own right and a lot older than me, so I thought there was no chance I would win.
"When my name was announced I was in shock, but quickly had to process what was happening as I was invited on stage to give a speech. I will continue to be creative and innovative for my community and I will continue to listen to their needs and try to address problems through the projects I deliver".
Speaking about the future, Khan said: "I don't want to say too much but I'm working with an animation company and have got some pretty big plans for my next summer holiday in July. I recently had a conversation with a publisher, so all I can say is watch this space."
He added: "Also, I will be off to represent the UK in the European Finals of the Lions Clubs International Young Ambassador competition, so this is pretty exciting".
Khan added: "The support I've had from the LCR team following my award has been phenomenal and I would like to mention Clare Barber and thank her for arranging the Mayoral visit. The support I've had from my community has been great and thank you to those that have purchased my books and to Granby Street Market, Theresa McDermott and Joe Farrag, who have allowed me a space to sell".
His mum, Natasha, keeps Khan grounded, ensures he focuses on school work and takes breaks from his activism. Khan said: "Mum is forever proud of my achievements and supports me in every way she can.
"She instilled me with confidence and self-belief every day, which is something I struggled with in my younger years. Mum always tells me: ‘If you can think it, you can do it'."
For information visit the Mulgrave Street Action Group Facebook or Instagram pages, and you can purchase Khan's books via https://msagshop.bigcartel.com/ as proceeds support the action group to deliver projects for the community.
