When growing up, there weren’t opportunities for young people like me in Burnley nor were there many BME role models. Having completed my A-level’s at college, I did not know what I wanted to do in life My volunteer work as a sports coach at a local council gave confidence and helped me get my first full time only at the age of 19.
When my contract as a Community Sports Coach ended two years later, my mentor encouraged me to apply for a job at The Prince’s Trust. My initial reply was “I’d never get a job there, I’m from Burnley. They only employ posh people.” Little did I know that a few weeks later I’d be working for The Prince’s Trust. I started working for the Princes Trust in September 2008, a time when many of my friends were struggling to find jobs even with a university degree.
My role as a Programme Executive – Engagement gives me an opportunity to help young people overcome challenges that I had once faced. I was also very keen to contribute to the development and progress of my home town, and being a part of this team has given me the platform to do so! I believe that young people in the BME community now have what I was missing growing up in Burnley; a role model who they can look up to and talk to.
Awais Javid
Sultana Raziya’s story is nothing short of a Bollywood classic. At 18, she was stuck in a tortuous marriage that ended in her being pregnant and divorced after only four months.
With no education or training, Sultana had no way of making a living until she joined the Umeed programme which changed her life. She learned basic English, computer and life skills and realising the importance of education, she went on to graduate.
She is now working for the Azure Call Centre with a salary of INR5500 (£72.00), supports her family. One day, she would like to become a chartered accountant.
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