A 13-year-old from Hackney has been named recipient of a performing arts scholarship honouring the youngest victim of the Manchester Arena attack.
Nasrideen Karadjallah secured the Saffie’s Smiles Scholarship, a 12-month programme at the Pauline Quirke Academy in Bethnal Green.
Classes will take place at the venue every Saturday.
The scholarship commemorates Saffie-Rose Roussos, who was killed in the May 2017 Manchester Arena bombing at age eight.
Nasrideen expressed enthusiasm about beginning his studies, stating he felt proud and positive about the opportunity, describing it as the most significant achievement in his life so far.
The scholarship programme operates in conjunction with The Sun newspaper and annually recognises an exceptional young person.
The current award provides a full year of performing arts instruction at PQA, reflecting Saffie-Rose’s love of performance.
He was put forward for the scholarship by his drama instructor at Excelsior Academy in Hackney, who identified his abilities during productions and regular lessons.
Saffie-Rose’s parents, Lisa and Andrew Roussos, selected him from candidates throughout the United Kingdom.
Charlie Quirke, son of PQA founder Pauline Quirke MBE, observed that the applicant’s video submission demonstrated his existing confidence while performing and how it generated feelings of happiness and capability.
The academy expressed pleasure at welcoming him and supporting his development as a performer.
PQA confirmed the continuation of its arrangement with The Sun for an additional four years, enabling four further young people to receive annual performing arts training in Saffie’s memory.
Livvie May, principal of PQA Bethnal Green, said the academy looked forward to receiving Nasrideen as part of the launch of the new PM academy.
The branch has spent almost a decade helping young people develop confidence, life skills and performance abilities, and was pleased to expand access through this new phase beginning on September 26.
PQA Bethnal Green is increasing its Saturday offerings in response to local interest, introducing a Saturday afternoon Main Academy for pupils aged six to 18.