Lucky 15 year old Hannah Abban was one of the five lucky aspiring journalists who attended the prestigious Wincott Awards at Mansion House.

Hannah, who is inviolved with MyVoice Hackney was one of the hard working youngsters given the opportunity to network with the UK's best known journalists and write an article on her experience. 

MyVoice Hackney is a three year programme shaped and led by young people aged 13-16 years, already 19 are involved with the group. The programme gives them a chance to share their thoughts, opinions and talent; develop basic skills in creative and copy writing, receive training in digital and social media, get some volunteering experience and gain accreditation for their achievements.

Hackney Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture, Cllr Jonathan McShane said: Hackney Council is always looking for ways to get young people involved in what’s happening in their local community. MyVoice Hackney is a great example of how they can shape their local library service.”

 Hannah, a pupil at Cardinal Pole School said: “I think MyVoice is a great opportunity for not just me, but all young people out there who want to be involved in how their libraries are run. I like it because it’s helping me to further and develop my ambitions. This year there’s been everything from volunteering to creating our own online magazine. I would like to become a journalist, and maybe even a writer or author.”

 The prestigious Wincott Awards, now in their 43rd year reward journalists for their outstanding contribution to the financial, business and economic sectors. Previous winners have included Dan Roberts, The Sunday Telegraph; Robert Peston, The Sunday Telegraph; Philip Coggan, The Economist.

The young people were invited to the event on 25 May by The City of London Corporation because they are part of The Reading Agency’s ‘Dickens Social Reporters’ programme, which includes the MyVoice programme that Hackney Council is part of.

The next meeting will take place on Thursday 12 July, 5 – 6pm.

To find out more or to get involved with MyVoice at Hackney Council’s Dalston C.L.R. James Library go to www.facebook.com/MyVoiceHackney or email Myvoice@hackney.gov.uk