Two Islington youngsters joined Emily Thornberry at a reception at Number Ten Downing Street last Thursday.
Two weeks ago Emily launched a competition for young people aged 16-24, inviting entrants in less than 300 words to explain why they should be the ones to visit Number Ten with Emily.
Christopher McFadzean and Naomi Adams, both 18, beat off tough competition and won the visit to Number Ten in recognition of their voluntary work in Islington.
Christopher helps young people to express themselves through music and dance at the Peel Youth club. He also represents local young people on the EC1 New Deal Forum, and is working towards his level 2 qualification in Playwork. He hopes to be able to share his newly acquired knowledge with other young people in Islington South and Finsbury.
Naomi mentors young girls between 13 and 17 through St. Mary's youth club in Upper St. She helped plan a youth alliance event at the Emirates Stadium, which paid tribute to youngsters who had made a contribution to decreasing crime in their area. She also organises holiday schemes for young people. She has overcome the effects of dyslexia to achieve her A-levels and go on to study for a history degree.
Emily Thornberry MP said:
"Chris and Naomi are a testament to the potential the young people of Islington have. It was a pleasure to meet them and I hope they both enjoyed the evening. "
Naomi Adams said:
"It was a cool experience and really fun. I felt very honoured to be there and meet all the other young people who'd done interesting things I can't believe I've been in the home of the Prime Minister!."
Emily launched the competition after a visit from City and Islington Sixth Form College to the Houses of Parliament. The 60 sixth form students had a tour of Parliament and then a question and answer session with Emily, who was impressed by their understanding and enthusiasm for politics.
No 10 Downing Street is a historic building which began its association with the office of the Prime Minister in 1730. Nearly 300 years later, it is still the office of the Prime Minister and at the heart of the government.
