Blackheath Public School student Sidney Edwards has been recognised for his compassion, integrity and kindness at a ceremony for the Fred Hollows Humanity Award.
The young school captain was nominated by his teacher for his dedication to helping residents at Morven Gardens Aged Care facility in Leura.
The Humanity Award is a national initiative of the Fred Hollows Foundation that acknowledges Year Six students who follow in Fred’s footsteps by demonstrating humanitarian values towards others.
Sidney’s teacher said he had exceptional initiative, volunteering after school and during holidays at Morven Gardens. He chats to the residents and helps them with computer issues.
Sidney is also an Indigenous Literacy Foundation Student Ambassador, working to reduce the literacy gap in remote Indigenous communities.
As part of this role, Sidney has organised book swaps, both within the school and the community, raising significant funds to support indigenous literacy initiatives.
NSW Education Minister, Rob Stokes said the award recognised wonderful acts of generosity and kindness.
“We need more people like these students to make NSW and Australia a brighter place for everyone,” he said.
Gabi Hollows, founding director of the Fred Hollows Foundation, said the award highlights inspirational students making a positive difference in their communities.
“Fred would have been incredibly proud of the contribution these students are making to society and of The Foundation for recognising and encouraging them to help others, no matter how big or small their actions,” Gabi Hollows said.
This year, there were 70 recipients across the state, with Sidney being the only Blue Mountains representative.