Over 200 young people and their families attended the third annual Hackney Youth Awards, which celebrated young people from across the borough at a ceremony in Hackney Town Hall, on Wednesday 20 March!

More than 50 young people were nominated for the awards, with nominations made by youth workers and other professionals working with them. The nominations were reviewed by an independent panel of young people, who also helped organise the event alongside Young Hackney staff and 10 young volunteers.

The event was hosted by Hackney’s very own Young Speakers Beverley Tetteh and Abullahi Yussuf ! There were 15 winners overall with categories ranging from Arts & Culture and Sports to Young Adventurer and Overcoming Adversity.

Shanai Charles, 17, Winner of Overcoming Adversity said:

“It’s really nice to win this award because I’ve been nominated before and I came runner up. So to actually win this time and be recognised is really nice, it means alot to me”

Over the night, the audience heard some truly inspirational stories alongside four performances which included a beautifully arranged song from Hackney Borough Music Choir,  an incredible duet from dancers Jordan & Djamilla, an uplifting poem performed by Faith Buffong, from Concorde Youth Hub and an amazing performance from singer-songwriter from Hackney Nina Hudson.

Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, Deputy Mayor of Hackney said:

“These awards are a great way to recognise and celebrate Hackney’s young people, who put in a lot of hard work and time to give back to their local communities. I was proud to celebrate the contribution so many of our young residents have to making Hackney a better place for everyone. Their determination and commitment to the future of Hackney is inspiring and I hope encourages others.”–

 

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Winners:

Sports Junior: Hackney Marsh Skateboard project

Sports Senior: Harry Kelly

Arts & Culture Junior: Kysan Warner

Arts & Culture Senior: Isla Rainforth

Overcoming Adversity Junior: Holly Webb

Overcoming Adversity Senior: Shani Charles

Inspirational Young Person Junior: Fatimah Jasseh

Inspirational Young Person Senior: Abdullah Amerat

Young Adventurer Junior: Hadassah Immanuel

Young Adventurer Senior: Rwan Mustaga

Outstanding Volunteer Junior: Rhianna-Marie Cassey

Outstanding Volunteer Senior: Calum Dee

Community Group Impact: Hackney Elite

Positive Choice & Achievement Junior: Cameron Coyle

Positive Choice & Achievement Senior: Daisy Daud

To see all the photos from Hackney Youth Awards this year visit: Photos