A 14-year-old boy has been recognised in a children’s writing competition for his short story entitled “From Refugee to King”.

Yosuf Ali, a Syrian student from Hatch End High School in Harrow, recently won The Henrietta Branford Writing Competition 2018. 

From thousands of entrants Yosuf was one of six overall winners who attended a Gala Award Ceremony in London on July 4 to receive his prize.

Yosuf said: “I was inspired to write this story by the idea that we are all equal but different at the same time. The idea is that we need to understand the significance of good friends in our life and you cannot isolate yourself.” 

Yosuf: "Four months ago, I did not know my name in English. Now I am an author."

Harrow Times:

Competition judge, Prue Goodwin, said: “As I started to read Yosuf’s story, it was obvious that it had been written by an English Language Learner. Yet the narrative flowed dramatically and the thoughts of the narrator revealed understanding and ideas that indicated that there was a very creative mind at work. 

“There was also something about the content that felt genuine, whether based on the author’s personal experiences or those of others.’

Yosuf thanked his school for supporting him, in saying: “Four months ago, I did not know my name in English. Now I am an author. Hatch End High School has given me confidence and taught me ways I can improve my creative writing through language techniques, vocabulary and introducing me to a wide range of inspiring authors like Shakespeare.”

Headteacher, Sue Maguire, said: “Yosuf represents everything Hatch End High School stands for – meaning every single young person is guided very firmly to reach for the stars and not limit themselves in any way. We are exceptionally proud of him.”

Yosuf’s winning story can be read in full on The Branford Boase Award website: http://www.branfordboaseaward.org.uk/