On 26th February 2013, the Mosaic London network gathered at Dream Space Gallery in London for a delicious Indian Buffet dinner and networking event to thank Mentors from across its programmes: Primary, Secondary and Enterprise Challenge Mentoring.
There was a real buzz in the air as mentors and teachers from the different programmes really appreciated the breadth of the work Mosaic does. Mosaic National Director Jonathan Freeman commented: “It was a real pleasure to say thank you to our wonderful mentors and to hear from the schools and students who were so full of praise of the difference that mentors are making through our diverse programmes.”
Thirteen year old Akwasi Adjei, a mentee on the Secondary Group Programme from Frederick Bremer, spoke with such confidence to the fifty-five adult guests gathered, no-one could quite believe he had never spoke in public before. His speech was conducted as a Q&A with Mosaic’s Hero of the Month Cherron Inko-Tariah, lead mentor at Frederick Bremer on the Secondary school programme. Akwaski said: “Before Mosaic, I never thought about going to university. “Normally we’re listening to the teacher, for the first time in my life I got to express how I feel.”
The assembled guests were in awe of Akwasi and deeply touched by what he had to say. Cherron commented: “I think it’s crucial to pass on my skills and experience to the adults of tomorrow. Not only can this prepare them for what lies ahead but will hopefully build their confidence. I truly believe it’s important to encourage young people that regardless of their background, race or postcode, they can achieve their goals with hard work and focus. The Mosaic mentoring programme helps me to do all of this.”
Del Hossein, London Regional Leadership Group member and our host for the evening said: “When I looked across the room, it was genuinely inspiring to see so many well meaning people together, all celebrating the idea of making a contribution. Our Hero of the Month summarised well ‘those who water get watered!’ How right she is.”
Uzair Bawany, Mosaic Advisory Board Member and Chair of the London Regional Leadership Group said of the evening: “We were delighted to welcome the brilliant mentors at our recent thank you event for the London region. The impact that a mentor can have on a child’s future is immeasurable – whether it’s advising them on their career choices, introducing them to people in their network or simply inspiring them and giving them confidence to achieve…We are fortunate to have a great group of mentors who give up their time for the mentees. It’s a truly mutually rewarding experience and I would encourage everyone to donate some of their time and enjoy this experience. The programs’ Mosaic supports are modelled around differing levels of commitment, so there lots of flexibility in terms of a mentors time and effort.
The Enterprise Challenge has been a great success this year and gives students a true flavour of being an entrepreneur and working with an experienced business mentor to guide them to success. A great program that can be addictive when you start!”
James Davies, a Secondary School Teacher from Sir John Cass Church of England School also commented: “The Mosaic Mentoring Programme provides a wonderful service for both young people and their mentors. It allows both groups to see into different worlds and to be able to learn from each other.”
We are actively recruiting female mentors for the primary school programme and male and female mentors for our offender mentoring programme. Please contact Anu Atewologun, London programmes coordinator at to book on to one of our training sessions.
Giving young people the chance to shine through leadership and enterprise is vital. For young people growing up in some of our most deprived communities, Mosaic’s work does just that. Your work helps to build binds between different communities and I wish you every success....