Rising star recognition for Isu

Walsall College’s Deaf Academy has congratulated one of their learners on winning a BWC Spirit Award with Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.

Isu Samasa who works in housekeeping at the women’s hospital in Edgbaston won the. Rising Star award which he received at a special ceremony.  The award recognised the dedication, resilience and care he shows in his role, as well as his positive attitude towards colleagues and patients within the neo-natal intensive care unit, cytogenetics, and other areas of the hospital.

Gambia-born Isu who has been Deaf from birth is studying a Skills for Development programme at the college.

The 22-year-old said he was thrilled to have been chosen for the award.

“It felt really good to be at the ceremony and accept the award in front of so many colleagues,” said Isu.  “My uncle was with me, along with two interpreters, so I was able to communicate with everyone around me, congratulate them on their awards and accept their good wishes in return.

“To me, the award shows appreciation for all my work.  I really enjoy my job because I can see I’m helping patients, hospital staff and visitors with their health, safety and comfort.”

Isu joined the Trust in June 2023 and balances his work schedule with his college course.  With the support of the college’s Deaf Academy tutors and interpreters, he studies English, maths, construction skills and sport.

It is this guidance that Isu says has helped him excel at work and personally.

“Thanks to the college my BSL skills have improved a lot over the last few years,” said Isu.  “When I first started here, my specialist language lecturer, Julie came along to one of my lessons to demonstrate basic British Sign Language (BSL) to my classmates so that they could communicate with me.

“Later on, this gave me confidence to teach BSL to students, college staff and my colleagues at the hospital.  I’m a people person so having the freedom to express myself to others and have conversations means a lot to me.”

“I think D/deaf people deserve every opportunity to study and work and show what they can achieve,” continued Isu.  “It’s also important to me to be able to contribute financially to my family.”

“As a rising star award winner, I would like to progress in my career but I don’t want to rush this.  For now, I’m happy to keep improving my BSL skills, teaching some of these to others and showing how people can feel included.”