Matthew Morton, studying for a DPhil in Social Intervention and Organisational Behaviour at Oxford University, is the British Council’s Shine! International Student of the Year 2009. Matthew learnt that he was the winner at a fantastic award ceremony in London presented by Moira Stewart and Nihal Arthanayake, in which all 12 finalists received recognition and praise for their exceptional achievements. You can view coverage of the event on the Shine! website.

The judges felt that Matthew’s outstanding contribution to the community together with his ongoing work for the European Commission marked him out as a clear winner. Since coming to the UK from the USA, Matthew has helped found an organisation called Youth Development Project (YDP) that provides assistance and encouragement to young people in an area of multiple-deprivation just outside Oxford. As well as volunteering for this group on an ongoing basis, Matthew has also set up a youth leadership forum between Albanian and British youth leaders, through which both parties can share their knowledge and experiences.

He was selected by the European Commission as a consultant for a senior-level workgroup; delivered the keynote speech at the 2008 National Student Leadership Forum held at the Scottish Parliament; and he still finds time to run for Oxford University's Cross-Country Club! Commenting on the awards, Matthew said, ‘For me, Shine! seemed like a great opportunity to bring attention to the youth projects that I work with. I thought that however far I progressed, it could only have a good outcome for those groups. I’ve enjoyed connecting with the other finalists – all of them are astounding and it’s been great to hear about their many achievements.’

Matthew was presented with his award by last year’s winner, Malaysian student Stephenie Siew Jean Tiew, who said that she continued to be inspired by the Shine! awards. She recommended to Matthew that he come back next year to enjoy the experience all over again.

For further information about Shine! please see the Shine! website or contact shine@britishcouncil.org.