Press Release: OBV win Channel 4 Award for groundbreaking scheme

This is the second year in succession that OBV has been nominated in this category for out mentoring projects.

Operation Black Vote polling found that the number one reason Black youth don't participate in the political process is the lack of black faces in high places. It is for this reason that the mentoring schemes were developed under OBV.

Simon Woolley from OBV accepting the award flanked by shadows Abdool Rahman Khodabocus and Mari Rees

Simon Woolley, OBV Director said: As an organisation that campaigns for social and racial justice winning an award is not at the forefront of our minds. However, to be acknowledged by the prestigious Channel 4 Hansard Society political awards, clearly tells us that others recognise the innovative work we undertake. I'm in no doubt the scheme we are running with the National Assembly for Wales will change the face of Welsh politics and inspire a new generation of BME communities to politically engage.

Peter Riddell, Chair of the Hansard Society, said: 'The Hansard Society has a long history of encouraging greater public involvement in the democratic process. This year's Democracy Award shortlist, nominated by our members and supporters, was particularly strong. We are delighted to present this year's Democracy Award to Operation Black Vote's Welsh Assembly Shadowing Scheme for its fresh initiative in trying to raise awareness and encouraging black and minority ethnic individuals to engage in the democratic process in Wales.'

Simon Woolley from OBV holding court while Jon Snow and Peter Riddell look on

Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, Presiding Officer at the National Assembly for Wales said: "We are deeply committed to increase the participation of all the communities of Wales throughout our society. Currently we have only one member of the black and minority ethnic community represented in the National Assembly as a Member. We hope that the success of this scheme will lead to more Members in national and local government and throughout the public services and business management, and I am sure the Assembly Commission will wish to repeat the experience represented by the shadowing scheme".

Notes to the editor:

The winners will be announced at the Channel 4/Hansard Society Political Awards presentation ceremony on January 23rd 2008. For details about the Channel 4/Hansard Society Political Awards visit: http://www.channel4.com/..+shortlist/1141452