Pupils from seven primary schools across Yorkshire have experienced an early insight into graduation after successfully completing Mosaic’s primary school mentoring programme with two prestigious graduation ceremonies held at Leeds Trinity University.

The events saw pupils from Castleton Primary School, Fagley Primary School, Talbot Primary School, St Matthew’s C.E (Aided) Primary School, Carlton Junior & Infant School, Field Lane Primary School and Horton Grange Primary School all recognised for their achievements by keynote speakers Vicki Psarias (award winning Screenwriter and Director and Blogger) and Noor Ali (Category Manager, World Foods at Morrisons).

Vicki and Noor, along with a packed audiences made up of proud parents, grandparents and teachers then heard directly from the pupils about their positive experiences from Mosaic’s programme, which aims to raise aspirations through mentors from professional backgrounds acting as role models to the children.

In a presentation on the day, Sana Ghati, a mentee at Field Lane School said “Thanks to Mosaic, I now know what I want to be when I grow up, a chef like my mentor. I am only stood up here today because Mosaic has built up my confidence. I also understand that sometimes you may face difficulties but you should never give up.”

Vicki Psarias commented: “I was incredibly honoured to have given a keynote speech, sharing my story charting my journey as a little girl with big dreams to professional blogger and filmmaker. Listening to their moving presentations, and sweet words that they’re now more confident and determined to achieve and succeed, touched my heart. What an utter privilege and life highlight.
Nothing feels more rewarding or uplifting than hearing from children, the future, fully determined to thrive.”

Noor Ali said: “I’ve always been passionate about mentoring both individuals and businesses to support them in achieving their goals, and having been a mentor for Mosaic myself, I know the impact that motivating pupils to believe in themselves can have. However, even I was amazed to look around the room during the ceremony and see the sheer volume of pupils that have developed their personal and professional skills with Mosaic’s support. What an incredible achievement.”

Leah Larkin, Mosaic’s Yorkshire Coordinator, added: “Both events were fantastic and demonstrate how so many primary schools across Yorkshire have embraced our programme. We are very thankful to Vicki and Noor for giving up their time to share their experiences; it’s through highlighting the achievements of people like them and our network of wonderful mentors that we hope to continue to support young people in Yorkshire.”

Mosaic would like to thank our partners Criterion Capital, the TRS Foundation, the John Laing Charitable Trust and the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery for their generous support of the primary school mentoring programme.