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The Harbinger Prize 2024

The Oxford School for the Future of Journalism (OXSFJ) is excited to announce the winners of The Harbinger Prize 2024! 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.

After careful consideration of the incredible shortlisted entries, we are proud to recognise the following young voices who have demonstrated outstanding creativity, insight, and passion in their work:

We are publishing the winning articles over the next few weeks. Stay up to date and get notified first by signing up for our newsletter, Harbingers’ Weekly Brief.

Overall Winner

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Reva

Sobti

The Harbinger Prize 2024 (Overall Winner)

Contributor

United States

Category Winners

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Arnav

Maheshwari

The Harbinger Prize 2024 (Economics)

Contributor

Georgia, United States

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Ashley

Solace

The Harbinger Prize 2024 (Culture)

Contributor

Nice, France

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Gavriella

Epstein-Lightman

The Harbinger Prize 2024 (Human rights)

Contributor

London, England

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Noa

Gomberg

The Harbinger Prize 2024 (Women’s Desk)

Contributor

Melbourne, Australia

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Samantha

De Mesa

The Harbinger Prize 2024 (International Affairs)

Contributor

Cavite, Philippines

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Zirong

Xu

The Harbinger Prize 2024 (Society)

Contributor

Shanghai, China

Read the winning articles here:

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Why reading books is so important in an age of digital distractions

In an age dominated by digital distractions, the act of reading becomes even more crucial. For Gen Z, embracing the habit of reading can serve as a bridge between the digital and the intellectual worlds, allowing them to harness the best of both realms

15-year-old Zirong Xu is the winner of The Harbinger Prize 2024: Society

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Journalism is under threat across the world – and that impacts us all

Independent reporting is about asking the hard questions. Probing deeper to find the truth. Holding those in power to account. It is fundamental to democracy, acting as a watchdog against an overmighty executive. At its best, it allows marginalised people to have a voice in society. It provides a forum for the discussion of ideas. Ultimately, no journalist should be detained simply because they are reporting on the truth

17-year-old Gavriella Epstein-Lightman is the winner of The Harbinger Prize 2024: Human Rights

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Beyond lemonade stands: How teens are revolutionising global business

This surge in teenage entrepreneurship is an influential change where financial self-reliance and business skills are becoming top priorities among today’s youth. This is fueling innovation and economic advancement, shaping the path for a future workforce composed of ambitious and go-getter personalities

15-year-old Arnav Maheshwari is the winner of The Harbinger Prize 2024: Economics

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Social media’s redefinition of ‘girlhood’ is Gen Z’s way of perpetuating the patriarchy

While feminism asserts that all genders have equal intellectual capacity, the ‘girlhood’ trend that has been proliferating on social media since 2023, especially TikTok, advocates that women are incompetent in all facets of life, from financial decisions to nutrition, and endorses detrimental habits

16-year-old Noa Gomberg is the winner of The Harbinger Prize 2024: Women's Desk

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Does Harry Potter have a passport?

Boycotting might seem like a good answer to the current Russian regime, but it doesn’t really prove a point and it also helps brainwash kids, giving an unlimited power to propaganda. If the goal is to lead Russia’s population towards democracy, then cutting ties to international culture is not what should be done

17-year-old Ashley Solace is the winner of The Harbinger Prize 2024: Culture

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Our nation’s backbone is caught in the crossfire of racism

Not going to lie, getting subjected to crossfire racism sucks. Not only do you realize that “this person is racist”, but being a victim of crossfire racism can make a person feel like their only identity is their presumed race, which has severe implications on both the mind and the body

16 year-old Reva Sobti is the winner of The Harbinger Prize 2024