Liverpool John Moores University student Cynthia Ajayi has beaten off competition from around the country to win ‘Student Project of the Year’ at a prestigious awards ceremony.
Cynthia’s audio documentary; ‘Sink or Swim; a Cultural deep Dive’ was named the winner at the NCTJ’s (National Council for the Training of Journalists) Awards for Excellence 2024. She was presented with her award by Sky News special correspondent, Alex Crawford, at an event in Manchester last Friday.
In the documentary, Cynthia explores the statistic that 95% of black British adults don’t swim. The judges praised The MA Journalism student’s insight, narrative arc and the credibility of the voices within the piece.
Cynthia said: “I was so happy and surprised… a project I worked so hard on and really gave it my all and to be rewarded that way was wonderful and has really given me a confidence boost! I had really great feedback from one of the judges as well who came to speak to my afterwards.
“Even though I kept thinking about how I could have done things differently after finishing this project, winning this award reminds me that I actually did a really good job and overcame a lot to create it.”
Polly Sharpe, programme leader for MA Journalism, said: “I am delighted to see Cynthia’s work recognised in this way by the judges and the NCTJ. From the start, she was determined to shine a light on this incredibly important – and often under-reported – issue; it’s fantastic to see her talent, hard work and commitment acknowledged.”
The LJMU Journalism department has an excellent track record with the NCTJ after being named the organisational winner of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award last year. In 22/23, another MA student, Jack Kinsella, won ‘Best Student Project’.