Fight for Tolerance

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First Minister's Promoting Tolerance Award for Swansea Tutor

MASOOD YOUSEF 

Dr Yousef, aged 33, from Ravenhill, received an award during a Recognising Achievement reception held in Swansea , which saw a range of people from the South West Wales area commended for the contribution they make to the lives of others.

The theme for the Welsh Assembly Government's 2010 awards was Promoting Tolerance, selected to mark the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the end of WWII.

Those recognised this year included individuals who have promoted equality, tolerance and inclusion, and have tackled all kinds of issues such as harassment, racism and domestic violence.  

Speaking about receiving the award Dr Yousef, who is based in the Department of Applied and Pure Ecology, said: "I am delighted to have been recognised by the First Minister and the Welsh Assembly Government in this way, along with others who have made a positive contribution to promoting equality and tolerance in Wales.

"My work to promote understanding between faiths in the Swansea community is something very close to my heart. This has involved working closely in supporting local groups on a number of different interfaith initiatives, but more specifically on environmental related themes.

"I hope to build on this work in the future and plans include an interfaith climate change dialogue, to raise awareness on an important issue that is of equal responsibility and duty to people of all faiths.

"It will highlight how we can all work together irrespective of beliefs and fulfil our duty towards care for the Earth." 

First Minister Carwyn Jones said: "This is Wales ' chance to say thank you on behalf of those who have benefited from the actions of our recipients, many of whom have shown immense courage in changing attitudes and in standing up for what decent people believe to be the right course of action.

" Wales is blessed, in its culture, its language, its heritage, its diversity, its love of sport and in so many other ways. But, above all, it is the people that make Wales a particularly blessed nation.

"Many people here today were born here, others have chosen to make their homes in Wales .  But everyone who lives in Wales is, and should be, equally valued, respected and welcomed."

 This news item has been generated by Bethan Evans, Swansea University Public Relations Office, Tel: 01792 295049 or email b.w.evans@swansea.ac.uk