The Director of Islamic Relief UK, Jehangir Malik, paid a visit to Golden Hillock School in Birmingham, to meet young people being mentored by Mosaic.

During the course of his visit Jehangir had a tour of the facilities, viewed old school reports detailing day-to-day activities, and gave speeches to students from years 7 to 10. Jehangir spoke about his days in the 1980s as a pupil at the school, and the wonderful facilities and opportunities that today’s students have at their disposal.

He spoke about travelling to many developing countries for Islamic Relief – places where students do not have access to laptops, desks, chairs, or public transport, yet see the value of education and walk for miles in order to be educated and learn from their teachers.

He went on to hand out certificates to young people who have successfully completed Mosaic’s mentoring programme, in which volunteer mentors – successful role models from the world of business – work alongside young people to raise their aspirations and confidence levels.

Afterwards, Jehangir said: “I am extremely grateful to Mosaic and the staff at Golden Hillock School for giving me the opportunity to return to my school having left over 20 years ago.

It was great to reflect on and share my own memorable times at Golden Hillock – the support that I received from the school and teachers, and the many great friends I made who are still in my life today.

It was an honour to address Years 7-10 in their special annual awards ceremony, recognising and celebrating some of the rising stars within the school.

I’d like to commend Mosaic on their mentoring initiative, which is so desperately needed in some of our communities in Britain. It is a privilege to play a small part in championing the aspirations of our young citizens. Many of them are truly inspirational, and will go on to become responsible leaders of our society.”

Head Teacher Matthew Scarrott added: “We have seen in the individuals who have participated in the Mosaic programme that they are better engaged and confident in their learning and understand more deeply what they can achieve and how they can do it.”

Could you be a volunteer mentor? We are actively seeking new mentors to work in schools across the West Midlands and elsewhere in the UK. Find out more