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Four Year 11 HAB girls received Citizenship Awards last term, after taking part in the First News ACTive Citizenship scheme.

Each of the girls chose an issue they care strongly about. They then researched and wrote articles about that issue and also created a campaign poster to raise understanding and awareness.

Michelle chose the unfair treatment of asylum seekers as her issue. Madyson and Maria looked at discrimination against women, while Mayeda looked at the modern day genocide of Uighur Muslims.

“This award means a lot to me because I wanted to raise awareness and show my passion about the topic,” said Mayeda (above left). “I wanted to show that even one person can make a difference and change the wrong that others try to hide. I hope to inspire others to speak out and make the world a better place.”

Michelle (above right) says the project helped her develop a stronger voice. “It shows my voice as a citizen, having the ability to influence others towards the process of change,” she said.

Madyson (above right) said: "I feel so good about being able to make a change in the community and being able to share it with the rest of the nation – I hope that my project is enough to raise more awareness and contribute towards a better future”

Maria (above left) said: "Having won the first news active citizenship award makes me feel proud because I was able to carry out a project which was to do with discrimination towards women and how it is normalised in society. Through this project I was able to raise awareness about the discrimination that women face in the daily."

The award is run by First News, the national newspaper for young people, to acknowledge positive social changes children are making through active citizenship.

“Their projects demonstrated how individuals can become Active Citizens in our democratic society, and that hard work, commitment and determination can bring success,” said Mrs Amechi.