Joint Mentor of the Year winners for the North West announced at end of year celebration

Mosaic has announced not one, but two North West Mentors of the Year during its annual end of year event celebrating another hugely successful twelve months of work in the region.

Pharmacist Saba Naeem and Jocelyn Gage, who is retired, both mentored on the secondary school programme at William Hulme Grammar School in Manchester. Both mentors were commended for their commitment to the programme and making a difference, as well as their encouragement for new ways in which the programme can be delivered.

The special event was held at the British Muslim Heritage Centre in Manchester and featured a keynote speech from Nazir Afzal OBE, former Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England.

Attending the event were mentors and mentees from across Mosaic’s programmes who had the chance to meet with many from Mosaic’s leadership team and several of its benefactors.

There was a special performance delivered by pupils from Parrs Wood Harmony Group, who recently sang alongside Ariana Grande in the One Love tribute concert for the victims of the terror attack at the Manchester Arena in May.

The joint winning mentors Saba and Jocelyn said: “We are genuinely so surprised to have been given this accolade. We would like to thank Mr Mullholland – principal of William Kings Grammar School where we mentor. Thanks to the school for all that they have done in allowing us to mentor. We are very grateful to the link teachers at the school also, who have done a brilliant job and made mentoring a joy.”

Crown Prosecutor Maqsood Khan, who was the highly commended North West mentor of the year, said: “Thanks to my employers as they have given me time off to do this mentoring. Thanks also to Nafisa from Mosaic, she has been my mentor and helped me through the whole process. I’m humbled and surprised to have been given this accolade.”

Maqsood Khan receiving his award from Nasir Afzal OBE

Nazir Afzal OBE said: “I am always privileged to be involved with Mosaic and The Trust. They do amazing work with young people living in some of our most deprived communities. Their work helps to ensure that aspirations are met and provides role models for those who would not have otherwise had such opportunities.”

Nafisa Hakim, a member of Mosaic’s North West team said: “The end of year celebrations at Mosaic have been enjoyed by all, it’s been a great opportunity to celebrate and thank the time and efforts generously donated by our mentors who are such inspirations to young people in the North West.”

Mosaic runs all of its programmes across the North West, namely its Primary School and Secondary School programmes as well as the Enterprise Challenge competition.