A dedicated campaigner has been recognised for his work with a major volunteering award.
Eltayeb Bashar, who is based in Worcester, received the 2026 BBC Volunteer of the Year Award for Worcester and Hereford in recognition of his ongoing contributions to community projects, human rights education and public service.
Mr Bashar, executive director of the Anti-Racism Initiative and founder and CEO of the Global Rights Alliance, said: “I have been volunteering in Worcester community work since age 19.
“I have lectured hundreds of trainee teachers on inclusive education at Worcester University, collaborated with Worcester City Council and the Worcester Cathedral, supporting community initiatives, and helped connect thousands of young people around the world with opportunities for public service.”
His volunteering work includes delivering lectures on inclusive education, organising public events, and working with Worcester City Council and Worcester Cathedral on community programmes.
He also helps connect young people globally with public service opportunities.
Mr Bashar attended the BBC award ceremony on September 10, where he was presented with the award on stage in the presence of the Mayor of Worcester.
He said: “Someone at the BBC described me as a ‘champion for inclusion’.”
Mr Bashar, who attended Blessed Edward Oldcorne and Worcester Sixth Form College, is studying for a master’s degree at Cambridge University and serves as the inaugural director of international relations for the University of Cambridge Sustainability Society.
Next month, he will attend the United Nations World Food Forum in Rome as a civil society delegate.
He said: “I look forward to bringing that global perspective back to my charity work in Worcester and my role as Director of International Relations for the Cambridge Sustainability Society.”
His achievements have been recognised through several other awards, including the 2025 UK Youth Activist of the Year Award, the 2025 Birmingham Black Lawyers Student of the Year Award, the 2024 HART Prize for Human Rights, and a Worcester Annual Volunteer Award.
