9-year-old honoured with the British Citizen Youth award

Despite the pandemic, The British Citizen Youth Award continued to receive nominations from around the UK for young, inspirational members of the community who were making a difference. In a daunting and unprecedented year, these selfless young people continued to show kindness and a commitment to their community. Among the 23 extraordinary young people who have been honoured with The British Citizen Youth Award for the 2021 Roll of Honour, Milan Paul Kumar, age 9 from Greater Manchester, has been presented with the Medal of Honour at the Palace of Westminster, from Nicky Cox MBE, Patron of The BCyA and Editor, First News. During the lockdown, Milan read 50 books in just three months. A passionate reader, he went on to raise over £2,000 for the National Literacy Trust through their ‘Fit for it’ challenge helping support children most affected by Covid-19. His efforts towards the #KeepGMMoving campaign, to keep everyone physically and mentally fit throughout the pandemic, earned Milan a Digital Sports Award during 2020. As the end of 2020 approached, Milan decided to self-publish a book, Covid Christmas Parade, which tells the story of a boy spreading festive cheer throughout the pandemic. All proceeds of the book go to the National Literacy Trust. Since January 2021 Milan has become a pen pal with residents in care homes across the UK as part of the National Literacy Trust’s ‘My Dear New Friend’ to combat isolation and loneliness amongst older adults. Milan has continued to exchange letters with 15 residents across the UK and feels that different generations can learn from each other, share ideas and bring a sense of community to everyone. Most recently, Milan took part in five days of challenges involving hiking, cycling, skiing and go-karting around the country to raise more money for the National Literacy Trust, which now totals more than £6000.