NCTJ Journalism Diversity Fund Bursary Winners

Balqiis Ali and Iqbaal Abdi - pictured from left with The Aziz Foundation's Tim Walker and Alex Crawford of Sky News - are the recipients of The Aziz Foundation's Journalism Diversity Fund bursaries.

The pair, who are both studying at News Associates in London, spoke of their delight at being chosen for the bursaries. Iqbaal said:

"I'm very thankful to The Aziz Foundation - along with the Journalism Diversity Fund and the National Council for the Training of Journalists - for giving me this opportunity, without which I wouldn't be able to become a journalist or it would have taken me a lot longer." Balqiis said: "I'm very excited about the future and what it can look like. And this is a very good step towards my ambitions."

Tim Walker, a former journalist who now heads up communications and public affairs at The Aziz Foundation, said:

"I found it humbling to present these awards to two such promising young journalists. The industry is a lot tougher than when I started and I'm full of admiration for Balqiis and Iqbaal for going into it with such flair and an obvious determination to make our world a better place. What was clear to everyone who attended this great event is that a diverse newsroom is a great newsroom."

The presentations were made at the NCTJ's annual Inclusion in Journalism conference hosted by Sky News at their west London headquarters. The bursaries are awarded to aspiring journalists from diverse backgrounds who need help covering the cost of studying for the Level 5 Diploma in Journalism. Recipients can also apply for specialist funding, which offers targeted support