West Yorkshire’s first ever ‘Young Poets Laureate’ was recently revealed following a search to discover and celebrate a new generation of creative talent in the region. The young poets, Alina Abrar and Isabelle Walker were presented the honours on 21 September at Leeds Central Library
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, spearheaded the initiative with National Poet Laureate Simon Armitage and the National Literacy Trust, as part of her mission to boost skills and inspire more young people to explore careers in the creative industries.
Launched during West Yorkshire Poetry Week in March, hundreds of schools took part by encouraging pupils to express their creativity, demonstrating how writing and communication skills can help to unlock lifelong opportunities.
Research from the National Literacy Trust found that young people who write poetry use it to express themselves and feel happier and more confident as a result.
Image: National Literacy Trust
In the younger category, nine-year-old Alina Brdar won with her rhyming poem, Mr Callaghan’s Class. Now in Year 5 at Lydgate Junior and Infant School in Batley, she said:
“You can write poems about anything. Even nonsense poems that will put a smile on your face. Jot ideas down. Don’t be afraid to ask questions because the more you ask, the more you will know. Just enjoy it!”
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said:“I was blown away by the phenomenal creative talent of these bright young poets.
“Congratulations to our amazing winners, who will no doubt go on to inspire others.
“We must continue to support our young people and open doors for them to thrive in a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire.”
National Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage, said:“It’s with great excitement that we have appointed our new West Yorkshire Young Laureates. In the first year of this initiative, we read and heard work from some fantastically talented and confident young writers, people who have chosen language as a way of navigating this strange and changing world and have chosen poetry as their compass. As Poet Laureate and being West Yorkshire born and bred I’m so proud of this project and looking forward to seeing more from our chosen poets as the year progresses.”
Chief Executive at the National Literacy Trust, Jonathan Douglas CBE said:“It has been a real honour to see the energy of contemporary poetry inspiring pupils across West Yorkshire. This project is all about encouraging young people to find their voices as writers and creators, and everyone at the National Literacy Trust was thrilled that so many young people picked up their pen and took part.
“Congratulations to the newly appointed Laureates – I look forward to seeing where this may lead you in the future. This project continues to be a truly inspiring experience for everyone involved and is a celebration of the power of poetry.”
Read Alina’s poem here:
Mr Callaghan’s class is a vibrant hub,
Alina always has her hand up.
Jack really loves his maths,
Adam has all the laughs.
Callie is always writing her English
When will she finish?
The playtime bell rings,
And excitement begins.
Sir shouts “Stop kicking that ball!”
The boys run down the hall.
The playground is full of children
Jumping, running, forward and back
Whilst others are having their snack.
Soon it’s time for the spelling test,
Faces concentrating trying their best.
This term’s project is set,
Chatter of ideas and searching the Net.
Home time bell rings at three,
Tired minds are now free!
