Graduation at Birmingham City University

Mums and daughters from Wyndcliffe Primary School and Adderley Primary School celebrated the end of their Mosaic journey by spending a fascinating day at Birmingham City University (BCU).

The cold weather did not dampen spirits as they took a tour of the facilities, visiting the Court Rooms, the Student Union and the Media Centre. Accompanied by the University’s Student Ambassadors the girls and their mums found out about University life, the variety of courses available to students and the countless clubs that undergraduates can take part in when not studying. Clubs included the “Doctor Who appreciation society” to the more energetic “Zumba” classes and the intellectually challenging “Debating Society”.

Following the tour the girls and mums spent a busy time making beautiful and colourful posters showing what they had learnt from their time on the Mosaic programme and their visit at BCU.

We took some amazing photos on the day which you can view in the slideshow below:

In the afternoon participants listened to inspirational speaker Dr Kamel Hothi, Business and Community Director, Lloyds Bank – Group Corporate Affairs, who spoke passionately about her work, the challenges of working full-time, being a mum to two boys and wife to an equally successful man, whilst achieving her dreams and retaining and celebrating her culture and identity.

Of Mosaic Dr Hothi commented: “I believe that such programmes as Mosaic are extremely valuable as sometimes all that is needed is a spark that could ignite a passion in an individual to want something more. Providing mentoring support and access to speakers will, I am sure, help the mothers and daughters to understand and realise their own potential. As a speaker myself, I felt both honoured and humbled to have played a small part in this discovery.”

Following Dr Hothi’s speech the girls, mums, staff and mentors all received Certificates and graduated with “honours” in recognition of their Mosaic journey.

Nine year old Sara Ali from Wyndcliffe Primary School commented: “I had my graduation today, I just want to say I really liked the visit to BCU”. Adderley School mum Nagina was asked how the Mosaic programme helped create a better understanding between her and her daughter and replied: “We listen to each other more and work as a team”.

First time mentor Safeena Rahman from HMRC said: “What an incredible day and what a fitting end to a wonderful Mosaic journey”. Speaking about her reason for choosing to become a mentor Safeena added: “I wanted to give something back to the community in which I live and work and was instantly attracted to the Mosaic Primary Programme as I had a good understanding, through my own personal experiences, of some of the issues young girls may face throughout their education and future life. I have met some wonderful mothers and daughters who I have seen flourish during the course of the programme. I have also learnt a lot and hope I will have the opportunity to work with Mosaic again in the not too distant future”.

Mosaic West Midlands are currently looking for female mentors to volunteer in four primary schools. The mentoring programmes will run from March to June 2013. Could it be you? Or someone you know? If you are interested in getting involved, please contact for further information. Thank you!