Triple glory for EC1 Young Person of the Year

With an interview on national TV, a place on a prestigious programme that includes world travel and an audience with the Prime Minister and an EC1 Young Person of the Year award, it’s been a good couple of weeks for Michael Potten. 

Seventeen-year-old Michael was awarded Young Person of the Year for his work as the chair of EC1 New Deal for Communities’ Youth Forum, and several other Islington youth volunteer projects, at the EC1 Pride in our People Awards. There, he met BBC news journalist Kate Silverton who presented the awards. A week later she invited him on to the national BBC One O’ Clock News to talk about youth issues.

On the same day that he appeared on the news, Michael heard that, following a three month process of application forms and interviews, he had been awarded a place on the Prime Minister’s Global Fellowship programme.

Michael will visit India, China or Brazil for a 6-week structured schedule where he will learn about the language and culture of his chosen country. He will meet the young people who live there and spend two weeks at a global company where he will learn about international business and social responsibility. On his return Michael will be invited to meet the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street to talk about his experiences.

Michael Potten, who lives in EC1, said:

“It’s an honour. Over 4,000 people applied for the fellowship and only 100 were awarded places. It’s great for me and it’s great for Islington because I’m going to come back and use everything I’ve learnt to benefit EC1 and Islington. Benefiting the community is a major priority for me.”

EC1 New Deal for Communities’ Youth Participation Worker Rita Burrows put Michael forward for the programme.

Rita Burrows said:

“I’m very pleased for him – it’s a fantastic opportunity. I recommended Michael because he has great entrepreneurial skills and community skills. He also has an amazing ability to engage other young people.”