MANCHESTER, England, June 25 /PRNewswire/ --

- With Photo

A Bangladesh born girl who overcame racist bullying to become a big success is amongst nine young people to receive national awards at Parliament today.

Swansea based Sumi Begum had chairs thrown at her in the classroom when she began high school. But she soon made real friends, learnt to speak English and passed six GCSEs. Along with single mum Michelle Davis from Bury who successfully battled post-natal depression and Hollie Goodwin from Leicester who overcame an eating disorder to fashion a career in the rag trade, Sumi has been declared a "UK Achiever of the Year 2008."

Organised by training charity Rathbone, these awards honour young people who have made massive progress through learning (see full list of winners).

Sumi joined her father in Wales at aged 11 - but struggled to fit in. Determined and brave, she kept studying and within five years went from not understanding English to gaining a Grade 'A' GCSE in the subject! Now completing a National Vocational Qualification in Retail, shining Sumi puts her success down to the support she has received from her teachers, family and the staff at Rathbone.

Hollie Goodwin also had a bad time at the hands of bullies but a spell on a course called Entry to Employment helped her gain skills and qualifications. Hollie got vital support from other learners on the programme who took her under their wing and gave her confidence.

Pregnant at aged 17, Michelle Davis now combines being a mum with holding down a job at a local nursery. Though panic attacks and a lack of confidence hindered her, Michelle now provides for her young family.

The Awards will be presented by Beverley Hughes MP, Minister of State for Children, Young People and Families.

Note to Editors:

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For further information: Please contact Peter Gibson, +44(0)7879-248-722, peter.gibson@rathboneuk.org