Keralite social work student in London shortlisted for prestigious UK national awards

LONDON Aug 17: Brunel University London’s Tienga Ngale and Vishal Udaya Kumar have both been shortlisted for the Social Work Student of the Year 2024. That means that Brunel master’s students have taken two out of the five places on the shortlist that showcases the very best submissions from universities in England, said a press noted from Brunel University.

All those who have been shortlisted are being recognised for their extraordinary practice and will find out if they have won their category at a special event this November in London.

For Camden resident Tienga Francis Ngale, a former asylum seeker, simply being nominated gave him a mix of disbelief and excitement. “The mere thought that I was being nominated felt humungous… Something I felt proud to share with my 15-year-old,” said Tienga, 49.

“Given my age, the student Social Work journey was always an adventure, uncertain and risky – and from the go, I have wanted to make the most of the experience.

“Now I am shortlisted as a finalist, it all seems a little surreal, and I feel very grateful to the Social Work team at Brunel for the opportunities, experience and learning.”

Vishal Udaya Kumar hails from Anchal, a small village in the Southern Indian state of Kerala, and recognises the challenges and rewards of his master’s experience.

Tienga Ngale (left) and Vishal Udaya Kumar (right)

“I thank the entire Brunel Social Work team for holding me tight in the turbulence,” Vishal commented. “I thank Dr Yohai Hakak for his vision and Ms Adrienne Finch for the mission for social work academia. This award nomination adds more professional responsibility on me, which is fulfilling too.”

Vishal keeps strong connections with his home country and is a member of the Students Federation of India, United Kingdom Committee (SFI UK) and a student representative of UK Malayali Social Workers Forum. “Although I am thrilled to be shortlisted, at this moment my thoughts and actions are with the victims of the Wayanad landslides,” he said, referencing the disaster that occurred in Kerala last month.

The finalists were chosen by panels of independent judges including previous award winners, social workers, industry leaders and people with lived experience of social work.

The Social Worker of the Year Awards is the only major national awards event for social work in England, attracting hundreds of entries every year.

Dr Yohai Hakak, Social Work MSc Programme Lead at Brunel, said: “I and my Social Work colleagues extend our congratulations to both Tienga and Vishal for being shortlisted for this award. We wish both could win!

“That two Brunel students have made the five-strong shortlist is testament to how well our master’s theory and placements prepare them for a career in social work. The profession is challenging but so rewarding.”

Peter Hay CBE, Chair of the Social Work Awards, said: “This year we received hundreds of entries which goes to show how passionate organisations and individuals are to shine a light on the inspirational achievements of an often-overlooked profession.

“We would like to thank all those who took the time to nominate a friend, colleague, or team for an award this year. To our finalists, we’d like to say congratulations! Being nominated for a national award, whilst supporting others during very challenging times in a year of big changes, is a remarkable achievement of which you should be very proud.”