UEL students shine in Civic Awards social media campaign
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Published
24 December 2024
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Three second-year students from the University of East London’s School of Arts and Creative Industries recently turned their creative talents into a real-world success story. Selected for an exciting paid pilot scheme with the London Borough of Newham, the students helped raise awareness for the upcoming Civic Awards by creating vibrant social media content that celebrated the borough’s unsung heroes.
Now in its third year, the Newham Civic Awards honour outstanding contributions across 10 categories, including Good Neighbour, Create and Thrive, and Youth Excellence. This year’s winners will be revealed in a glitzy ceremony at Old Stratford Town Hall on 5 February 2025.
As part of the project, Taijub Irfan, who is studying BA (Hons) Media Production, Erin Kerslake, who is studying BA (Hons) Advertising, and Zahra Hashim, who is studying BA (Hons) Media and Communication, ventured into Newham’s communities to interview locals and film their inspiring stories. Their work, showcased on TikTok and Instagram, encouraged nominations and shed light on the extraordinary people who make Newham thrive. To top it off, the students took part in two exclusive masterclasses led by social media influencer Dilan Kurt, organised by the London Borough of Newham, where they honed their skills in storytelling and audience engagement.
Dekan Apajee, Head of the Department for Media at UEL's School of Arts and Creative Industries, praised the collaboration with the London Borough of Newham. He said,
This partnership with the Newham Civic Awards demonstrates how our students can bring classroom skills to life in professional settings. Their creative contributions not only amplify their portfolios but also build confidence, preparing them for a future filled with opportunities."
Jen Webster, Project Manager for Democratic Services at the London Borough of Newham, was impressed by the work of the students. She said, “The students’ creativity, enthusiasm, and professionalism have been truly inspiring. Their ability to capture the essence of what makes Newham’s community so special has been invaluable to the success of our Civic Awards campaign.”
Reflecting on the experience, Taijub said, “Working with the London Borough of Newham on their Civic Awards campaign was a fantastic opportunity for me to gain professional experience, showcase my skills, and represent UEL.
“I was able to apply the learning outcomes from my course to this project, which was incredibly beneficial. It has definitely boosted my confidence as I move forward in my career and provided me with a valuable opportunity for personal development.
“Collaborating with Dilan Kurt also gave me an extra boost of confidence, which was a great support for both me and my team.”
This initiative reflects UEL’s commitment to preparing and equipping students for the careers of tomorrow. With its Media and Film Studies department recently ranked 2nd nationally in the Guardian University Guide 2025, UEL continues to demonstrate the strength of its innovative and industry-focused approach. By embedding professional opportunities like this one into its curriculum, UEL ensures that students not only graduate with exceptional skills but also gain real-world experience and the confidence to succeed in competitive industries.