Usman Speaks to Prince at Clarence House
Usman Mirza spoke at the Prince's Seeing is Believing annual report back at Clarence House, on 11th February. In front of an audience of HRH The Prince of Wales, HRH Princess Badiya bint El Hasan of Jordan, and business leaders from around the UK, Usman told of his experiences of Mosaic's mentoring at his school.
"The day started off really nerve racking because I was about to give what was going to be the biggest speech of my life in front of the Princess of Jordan (who had already visited my school) and The Prince of Wales (who I'd never seen in the flesh).
"My head mistress, Ms Wayland, and I set out towards St James's Palace. We got there eventually, after walking and walking, occasionally getting lost, arguing which way to go and simply admiring the wonderful London architecture. We arrived and were shown to our tables. It was so exciting to be in such an elegant place, where the toilets were more impressive than my own house!
"To begin we had time to mingle with the other guests until Stephen Howard introduced the afternoon's programme and the real business started.
"The Princess of Jordan spoke and then introduced me. By this point my nerves were getting the better of me and I felt the first few sentences came out sounding really clumsily. But as I went on I settled into it and even began to enjoy myself. Even the prince himself laughed a couple times which helped my confidence and made me feel very comfortable.
"The day ended on a positive note. After the event ended I had the opportunity to meet the Prince and have a short conversation with him. I then spoke to a number of the other guests before we had to leave. After all my nervousness and dread the day ended well and the experience was surreal for me. It turned out better than I had expect it to and I had fun."
Usman Mirza - John Kelly Boys' Technology College, Brent, London
The Prince's Seeing is Believing programme is Business in the Community's most effective programme for engaging business in society. It invites senior business leaders to see for themselves how business can play a role in tackling Britain's most pressing social issues, in some of its most deprived inner cities and rural areas.
Mosaic led a Prince's Seeing is Believing visit to Muslim Youth Helpline, John Kelly Boys' and John Kelly Girls' Technology Colleges to consider the issues facing deprived urban Muslim communities, and what is already being done to combat these problems.