The competition was broken down by age categories with three winners. Halima came up first amongst 200 other entries for 12 – 18 year olds.

NewVIc had A level student Halima take part in the competition challenge which was open to all schools, colleges and children aged 5 -18 years in Newham over the February half term. The aim was to increase Newham’s COVID-19 vaccine conversation and take up. The number of new COVID-19 cases in Newham have fallen along with positivity cases while testing of school and college students have increased since re-openings from Monday 8 March.

The competition task was to design a vaccine poster outlining the key messages around the importance of taking the COVID-19 vaccine which Halima was selected as winner for the 12 – 18 years’ age category. Winning posters in all three categories will feature on the council’s social media channels, website, hoardings as well as the local paper - Newham Recorder.

Principal and CEO, Mandeep Gill, said:

“This is fantastic news for NewVIc. Our student Halima took part in Newham’s bid to increase the borough’s COVID-19 vaccine take up and won. Huge congratulations to Halima. Halima is an example of how NewVIc students are taking the COVID-19 safety measures and testing seriously. It’s so important that we all play our part, the key messages in Halima’s poster clear up so many questions that are being asked. Well done Halima.”

The judging panel for the poster winners included the Director of Public Health, Jason Strelitz, Prof. Winston Morgan from UEL, Dr Vanessa Apea from Barts Health and Cllr Sarah Ruiz. A special virtual ceremony took place on Tuesday 16 March where the panel celebrated the winning students, their families, schools and colleges.

Panel judge and Professor, Winston Morgan from University of East London, added:

“Halima has produced a fantastic poster and I would have thought that a professional graphic designer has designed it. It was done really well with a clear message. Congratulations to Halima in doing so well in the competition.”

More information on Coronavirus: COVID-19 in Newham can be found here https://www.newham.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19