A teenager who is helping combat sexual bullying is in the running for a young people’s “Oscar”.

Luzia Sanda, of Keir Hardie Way, Barking, has been nominated for a Young People of the Year Award for preparing workshops to educate her fellow sixth-formers at Eastbury Comprehensive in Barking.

The 17-year-old also attended a conference about the issue to widen her knowledge. “I am known as the role model of my year group and [I’m] determined to help those who need support,” Luzia explained.

“I try to guide people – if they need to talk to someone they can trust, it doesn’t have to be a teacher.”

Her mum suffers with severe migraines and her dad works night shifts so Luzia also helps look after her little brother and sister, getting them ready for school and making them breakfast.

She was nominated for the £300 prize by her art teacher, Jadie Oberholzer, who described her as a “strong and determined young lady”.

“Against all odds she works hard to complete her studies yet always finds the motivation to support others,” she added.

Entries for the YOPEY awards close on Friday. Visit yopey.org