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St Mary’s College 5th Year pupil, Aoife White, has been named as Children’s Express UK member of the year. Aoife, who is 16, beat off competition from young people from London, Newcastle and Belfast to claim the award, which is presented to a young person on an annual basis by Children's Express in recognition of their achievement and contribution to the project.

Aoife was presented with her award of a plaque and a digital camera at an event in the Office of the Children’s Commissioner in London on Saturday 18th November. It is the second year in a row a young Derry member of Children’s Express has claimed the award. The award is named after Tina Colclough, the Belfast Bureau Director who was sadly killed in a road accident in 2002.

Children’s Express is a creative arts and youth media project, which works with young people under the age of 19. Aoife, who is from the Creggan area, was the overall winner for the senior category.

Aoife is well known for having plenty to say, but she was lost for words when presented with her award. Aoife says. "I was really surprised I was chosen because I didn't think anybody would pick me. I have been able to achieve so much through Children’s Express and now this has been another amazing experience.”

Project Co-ordinator, Martin Keeney, said Aoife was a worthy winner of the award. “Aoife has put so much effort into this project it is great to see her being rewarded in this way. She was chosen for this award for her overall enthusiasm, creativity and above all, her ability to share her skills with her peers. It is also the second year in a row the Foyle Bureau has won the award, so all our young people can be proud of their achievements.”

Foyle Bureau member and St Mary's College pupil Sharmin Rahman, is delighted that Aoife was chosen as the overall winner. “Aoife really deserves this and she is such a great person and contributes a lot to CE. She is very friendly and is always very keen to help you. She has put in so much hard work and now it has paid off.”

Children’s Express Foyle Bureau are also currently recruiting new members for the project, so if you or someone you know would like to get involved you can contact the bureau at 02871-272514 or e-mail foyle.bureau@childrens-express.org

1 Children’s Express Foyle Bureau is part of Children’s Express UK a registered charity that promotes creative learning through journalism and the creative arts programme for young people. It has projects, known as Bureaux, in Newcastle, London, Belfast and now Derry.

2 The Foyle Bureau of Children’s Express is located at Verbal Arts Centre, Stable Lane, Derry BT48 6PU . Young people interested in joining the project should contact Martin Keeney at: Tel: 028 71 272514 in the first interest to obtain application forms. Information on Children’s Express and its programme are available at: www.childrens-express.org

Contact: Martin Keeney at 028 71 272514 or mobile: 00353 8768 06676

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