Announcement! These are the winners of the Harbinger Prize 2024

By Kimberly Yanez

The Oxford School for the Future of Journalism (OXSFJ) is excited to announce the winners of the Harbinger Prize 2024! After careful consideration of the incredible shortlisted entries, we are proud to recognize the following young voices who have demonstrated outstanding creativity, insight, and passion in their work:

Overall winner:

Reva Sobti, United States – Our nation’s backbone is caught in the crossfire of racism

Category winners:

Economics: Arnav Maheshwari, United States – Beyond lemonade stands: How teens are revolutionizing global business

Culture: Ashley Solace, Russia/France – Does “Harry Potter” have a passport?

Human rights: Gavriella Epstein-Lightman, United Kingdom – Journalism under threat

Women’s desk: Noa Gomberg, Brazil/Australia – Social media’s redefinition of “girlhood”

International affairs: Samantha de Mesa, Philippines – Philippines calls for diplomacy amid tension on the South China Sea dispute

Society: Zirong Xu, Singapore – Why read?

Reva’s piece stood out for its profound exploration of crossfire racism, linking it to cultural narratives and advocating for unity among marginalised groups. Her work exemplifies the power of storytelling in addressing complex social issues. She grounded her argument in relatable contexts and supported it with relevant data. Reva not only raises awareness but also calls for cultural understanding and solidarity, making her piece both refreshing and impactful.

Arnav highlighted the dynamics of teenage entrepreneurship and the importance of financial literacy. His integration of personal narratives with data-driven insights serves to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs.

Ashley impressed the judges with her original idea in Does “Harry Potter” have a passport?, where she critically examines the implications of cultural boycotts on Russian youth. Her compelling argument highlights the paradox of promoting democracy while restricting access to international literature, showcasing her ability to tackle complex themes with clarity and depth.

Gavriella shined a light on the precarious situation of journalists in oppressive regimes in Journalism under threat. Her compassionate narrative emphasises the alarming trend of unlawful detention, drawing attention to the broader crisis facing the press globally.

Noa offered a passionate critique in Social media’s redefinition of “girlhood”, arguing that the trend commodifies misogyny under the guise of sisterhood. Her timely analysis resonates with current social media dynamics, making her piece both relevant and significant.

Samantha provided a well-researched overview of the South China Sea dispute, intertwining historical context with contemporary events. Her bold narrative urges readers to recognize the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing territorial disputes, demonstrating her strong voice and commitment to social justice.

Zirong Xu eloquently advocated for the revival of reading habits in a digital age filled with distractions. He was able to weave personal narratives with historical context and underscored the profound impact of literature on individual lives and society.

These winners will join the Harbingers’ Magazine team, where they will have the opportunity to shape editorial and content decisions while receiving mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in the field. Additionally, they will participate in an educational enhancement program that offers tutoring in Essential Journalism and editing lessons, beginning in October 2024. As the overall winner, Reva will also have the unique opportunity to take a reporting trip to cover first-hand events.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Reva, Arnav, Ashley, Gavriella, Noa, Samantha, and Zirong for their achievement. We would also like to express our gratitude to all the participants. It was a pleasure to get to know your perspectives.