iQQTV

Art and Design Students Win Virendra Sharma MP’s Mapping Competition

Virendra Sharma MP visited iQQTV’s Ealing Green College last week to present top-quality artists’ materials as prizes to four iQQTV Art and Design students. Students entered a competition to create a map for Ealing, which was in two parts – one category was for primary-age children, and another for secondary school and college students aged under 18. Each of the winners from the older group came from iQQTV.

The idea for the competition arose when the boundaries were redrawn for Mr Sharma’s Ealing Southall constituency. He wanted to celebrate the local community and showcase the important features of each and every ward, including the new ward of Walpole.

“After the next election, Ealing Green College will become part of my constituency,” said Mr Sharma, “whilst currently it is just outside.”

First Prize went to Lovely Alcaraz with Harleen Ladhar, Yuliia Velychenko and Amina Amrane runners up. As well as winning artists’ materials, each student received a letter from Virendra Sharma MP on House of Commons notepaper.

The quality of submissions to the competition was so high that Mr Sharma needed to seek external advice to decide on the winners.

Mr Sharma asked students in the class what they thought important landmarks on a local map should be, and they replied: parks and green spaces, and places to meet friends such as cafes, shops and restaurants.

Mr Sharma explained that he had once been a Youth Worker and he believes that more services and activities should be provided for young people.

Mr Sharma urged the students to register to vote during his visit and to participate in elections, as well as encouraging their friends and family members to take part too. He told the group about a summer programme he organises where young people spend a day in Parliament, followed by days spent meeting the London Mayor at the Greater London Authority (GLA), with Ealing Council meeting the Council Leader, at the Supreme Court to find out about our legal system, as well as gaining work experience with the team at Mr Sharma’s constituency office.

Virendra Sharma MP said: “I organise the summer school for young people to learn about civic life, enabling them to become active citizens and leaders of the future.”

Mr Sharma encouraged the students to apply to join him this summer and will be sending details to their teachers.

“Public service is my passion,” he said, “and real power is in service to the community, representing them in Parliament.”