The 2006 prize for Immigrant of the Year was presented today under the auspices of the Ministry of Children and Equality. The second annual award presentation took place at the Riverside Youth Centre. The winner was Osman Mohamed Aden, a resident of Skien but originally from Somalia.

Osman Mohamed Aden hard to motivate and help young people to get an education and participate actively in the community. In stressing the importance of education he makes no distinction between girls and boys. In addition to his work as a teacher, Osman Mohamed Aden devotes a great deal of time to volunteer efforts. He assists young people with homework and helps out families with special problems. Having earned the confidence of people in many walks of life, this year’s prize winner dares to challenge ingrained attitudes in the environment around him. He is an inspirational role model for children and youth in the entire Grenland neighbourhood.

Libe Rieber-Mohn, a state secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion, emphasized in her speech the importance of adults serving as advisers and counsellors to young people. She said empathy was the key to good communication: "Children and youths with immigrant backgrounds number about 60 000. Although most of them get along just fine, many will meet challenges at school and in the labour market. It is not easy for them to find a place of their own in Norwegian society. Youngsters with an immigrant background live a life very different from what their parents lived at the same age. That is why role models like Osman Mohamed Aden are so important."

The jury has had a difficult time picking the best candidate from among the many suggestions that came in. For the jury, it was particularly gratifying to learn about worthy candidates they hadn't heard of previously. To qualify to win the prize, a candidate must be an adult with an immigrant background who makes an impressive contribution to children and youth.

The members of this year's jury were:

• Rita Kumar, representing KIM, the Contact Committee for Immigrants and the Authorities
• Shqipe Fazli, representing Ungdom & Fritid, an association of youth organizations
• Samad Rah, representing the Norwegian Youth Council
• Nurten Cenar, representing FUG, a committee of primary school parents