From Mirpur to Bristol a Journey to Make a Difference
This month, We’re proud to celebrate the inspiring journey of Husnain Sajjad, a young leader from Pakistan whose story is rooted in perseverance, community service, and unwavering belief in the power of change.
Husnain’s journey began in Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where his deep connection to his community inspired him to take action. Despite having to pause his own education in 2014 to support his family, Husnain never stopped learning. He joined Muslim Hands as a receptionist, but quickly immersed himself in the field, stepping up to coordinate projects, run workshops, and lead outreach work with street-connected children.
His passion and integrity earned him the respect of his peers and mentors alike. Over time, he became a key figure in Muslim Hands’ Street Children Project, leading psychological assessments, education sessions, sports-for-development activities, and distributing essential items to vulnerable children. His vision has always been bold: to create a world where no child is forced to live or work on the streets.
In 2018, his leadership was recognised when he was selected as a Young Leader by Street Child United. This opportunity opened new doors — including a life-changing scholarship to the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), where he recently graduated with a degree in Politics and International Relations. Husnain is deeply grateful to UWE and SCU for investing in his potential and giving him the chance to grow as a leader.
But even while in the UK, Husnain’s heart remained with his community. He designed and launched Let Me Play funded by Qatar Fund For Development, a youth-led initiative using sports as a tool for individual growth, teamwork, mental wellbeing, and leadership. The project included educational workshops, volunteer trainings, and even a city-wide marathon in Mirpur — bringing together runners of all ages in support of health, inclusion, and youth empowerment.
Having recently graduated from UWE Bristol, with renewed vision and purpose, his journey — marked by resilience, service, and international learning — has already inspired a new wave of young people to believe in their potential and strive for a better future. His humanitarian work is far from over; rather, it marks the beginning of a new chapter, one rooted in deeper commitment and broader impact, Insha’Allah.
When asked what drives him, Husnain reflects:
“No child should remain on the street. I’ve seen how our work can change lives, and I want to build something lasting for the future.”
From Mirpur’s bustling streets to UWE’s lecture halls, Husnain’s journey is a powerful reminder that education, when paired with purpose, can be transformational. We’re honoured to be part of his story — and can’t wait to see what he builds next.
