Sixth Former Nominated for Young Leader Award

An inspirational learner at Solihull Sixth Form College met with the College Principal recently to discuss his nomination for a Young Leaders Award.

Wafi Hanafee was put forward for the Young Leader of the Year award at the recent Inspirational Youth Awards, which recognise young people from across the UK who are making a positive impact within their communities. The awards, which took place at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham in April, celebrate leadership, entrepreneurship, resilience, and social impact, highlighting young individuals who are driving meaningful change.

As well as a full-time A level student, Wafi is the CEO and Founder of RISE, a fast-growing student network focused on helping ambitious young people grow personally and professionally through opportunities, networking, and development initiatives. RISE has reached over 20,000 students online and is consistently helping over 1,000 students through their online content, events, support and website resources.

Wafi commented:

"The aim of RISE is to create an environment where ambitious young people can connect, raise their standards, and push themselves further. I believe the leadership, community-building, and impact created through RISE is what led to me being recognised and selected as a finalist for Young Leader of the Year.

"It was an amazing experience to be recognised on a national stage and to be surrounded by so many inspiring young people who are all creating positive change in different ways. Being announced as a finalist in front of such a large audience was a very proud moment for me. I was incredibly grateful and honoured to have been recognised nationally and it was a reflection of the hard work and consistency that has gone into building RISE alongside balancing my studies."

Wafi recently received further national recognition, as he has been nominated in two categories at the Multicultural Business & Community Champion Awards, as well as receiving a nomination at the Plug Summit Awards 2026.

Currently in his final year of study at the College, Wafi is looking to pursue a degree apprenticeship when he finishes his A levels, as well as continuing to grow RISE further and expand the impact it has on ambitious young people.

College Principal Martin Sullivan commented:

"I was very impressed to hear about all the work that Wafi is doing outside of College. It is fantastic to see such a motivated young person, working hard for the betterment not only of himself, but his peers."

12 May 2026