Student Hibo Deria was among four youngsters selected to attend a reception at UK Prime Minister's official residence in London

[Admin]

Babington Community College student Hibo Deria was among only four youngsters to attend a special reception at 10 Downing Street last week.The 14-year-old’s dedication and passion for creative writing earned her the invitation to the Prime Minister’s official residence in London via the charity, First Story.She was among 15 pupils from the school in Beaumont Leys who took part in a reading and writing project by the national charity which arranges and pays for acclaimed writers to run creative-writing workshops for students in state schools.Poet John Berkovich worked with Babington pupils and those who took part have had their work published in a professionally produced anthology.

 The aim of the charity’s work is to encourage youngsters’ love of reading and writing.

Hibo’s poetry impressed First Story so much that she was chosen to attend the reception hosted by the chancellor’s wife, Frances Osborne, herself a published author.

 Hibo, who is of Somali origin, said: “It was amazing to walk through the doors of 10 Downing Street. It’s not something you get to do everyday so I know it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“I spoke to Frances Osborne and she congratulated me on my work. I loved being part of First Story. Some of my friends decided to do it and as time went on I started writing more and more poetry and found I really enjoyed it. The workshops we did were lots of fun so I’m definitely going to carry on writing. I don’t write about anything in particular - just whatever inspires me.”

Mark Penfold, English as an Additional Language (EAL) coordinator at Babington Community College, accompanied Hibo to the reception.

He said: “The charity targets schools in disadvantaged areas and we saw it as an opportunity to expand on all the good work that’s already going on here at Babington.

 “The reception was originally planned to be in 11 Downing Street but as there was a water leak it was switched to number 10 at the last minute and we couldn’t have been more pleased.

“Hibo really took to poetry straight away. All of the sessions take place outside school hours so those taking part have to show a dedication and passion for what they’re doing and that’s exactly what Hibo did.

 “Students also get to go to various universities and take part in further workshops. Our students visited Oxford and Nottingham universities and it was at Nottingham that Hibo’s work really stood out.”

Babington head teacher Denise Newsome said: “This is a wonderful project and something we’ll continue to be part of. Hibo produced some excellent work and we’re delighted that she had this fantastic opportunity to go to Downing Street.”

 A spokeswoman for First Story said: “First Story was privileged to organise a reception hosted by novelist Frances Osborne - a keen supporter of the charity.

“We took this opportunity to invite four students, along with their teachers and headmasters, to represent the four 'hubs' in which we currently run our programme: London, Oxford, the East Midlands and West Yorkshire/Lancashire. Hibo was chosen, along with three other fellow students as she distinguished herself during the year not only by her excellent writing but also her enthusiasm and her motivation.”

 “We also find that First Story alumni are the best ambassadors for the programme, and we hope that the experience Hibo has had at Downing Street will encourage her to keep on writing and inspire others, thus making ripples throughout her school and her community.”

Source: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/

http://www.somaliaonline.com/student-hibo-deria-was-among-four-youngsters-selected-to-attend-a-reception-at-uk-prime-ministers-official-residence-in-london/

[Hasina]

MashaAllah, bright and beautiful young lady. Seems like Somali sisters have quite a creative streak.

[Alpha Blondy]

its a shame because of this feminist mantra, adovocting girls education and other related mashruucs, our population levels are dwinderling at a faster rate than ever. what we require are procreation centres.

[nuune]

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@Alpha Blondy

said:</cite>

its a shame because of this feminist mantra, adovocting girls education and other related mashruucs, our population levels are dwinderling at a faster rate than ever. what we require are procreation centres.

 

Seems like you missed out the Black Friday super deals, abti.

[Alpha Blondy]

<cite>

@nuune

said:</cite>

Seems like you missed out the Black Friday super deals, abti.

 

haha

 

how do you know i didnt make good deals already. always making assumptions. caadi iska dhig.