Birmingham pupils attended a prestigious graduation event to celebrate their successful completion of the Mosaic Primary School Programme.

Over 100 pupils from Cherry Orchard Primary, Oasis Academy Hobmoor Primary, Leigh Junior School, Wyndcliffe Primary, St. John’s CE Primary and St Anne’s Catholic Primary School attended the events which took place on the 13th and 14th January at Birmingham City University.

During the graduation events the pupils aged between 9 and 11 spoke about their experiences on the mentoring programme in front of influential business leaders, teachers and mentors.

Pupils Henna and Samran at Oasis Academy said:

“Today I learnt about what we could do when we are bigger and to never give up.”

Samran added:

“I have learnt new things and would like to definitely go to university now.”

The key note speakers at the events were Perween Warsi and Balvinder Sidhu both prominent and successful professionals. The speakers shared their experiences with the girls and encouraged them to be confident in life and to believe in their own abilities.

Balvinder Sidhu, presenter for ITV Central in the West and East Midlands added:

“It was a wonderful, heart-warming experience for me to be able to stand up on stage with the young girls and listen to what they had to say.”

Speaking about the impact of the program Jane Farrow, a mentor, said:

“My time spent as a mentor with Mosaic has been an enlightening and inspirational experience in ways I didn’t expect. I signed-up wanting to help young girls get the most out of their education now and in the future. I worked with the pupils and their mothers to hopefully instil a sense of confidence and self-esteem in them.

“It was a joy to see even the most reserved children become enthused with the ideas we were sharing and I hope this continues. The children were an inspiration to me because of their willingness to be inspired and learn and I’m looking forward to working with Mosaic and other children in the future.”

Another mentor Nighat Shaheen commented:

“Mosaic’s mentoring allowed me to interact with girls and their mums on a regular basis and witness the amazing difference in confidence and motivation.

“It’s a unique course for which the impact goes beyond the school walls and I truly feel, is life gaming for many of the other mothers. Seeing their development makes me feel my involvement has been a worthwhile contribution.”