The Mosaic initiative at The Prince’s Trust announced an exciting new partnership with the UK Alumni of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) at an event held at the U.S Embassy in London.
The IVLP is the U.S Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ premier professional exchange program engaging current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields.
The event, attended by U.S Ambassador to the UK, Woody Johnson, brought together IVLP alumni, individuals from the upcoming cohort as well as representatives from both The Prince’s Trust and Mosaic.
The Mosaic initiative and mentoring programmes aim to inspire young people from some of the most deprived areas and backgrounds to realise their talents and fulfil their potential through connecting them to positive relatable role model mentors.
The new partnership will see IVLP alumni support the work of The Prince’s Trust Mosaic programme by either mentoring on a programme across an academic year or term, hosting a World of Work visit allowing young people go into their place of work to see what opportunities are available in that area and field, or by giving up one hour of their time in a school as an inspirational speaker.
On the announcement of the partnership, Ambassador Johnson said:
“Every year, the U.S. Embassy exchange program invests in some of the most exceptional and driven individuals in Britain. When they return home from America, participants are often incredibly motivated to pay the opportunity forward and really make a difference. We are determined to help them do that, which is why we are proud to team up with The Prince’s Trust in an exciting new partnership which will get U.S. exchange alumni mentoring the next generation of British talent.”
Ambassador Woody Johnson – U.S Ambassador to the UK
Speaking at the event, Harris Bokhari, National Mosaic Board Member and IVLP Alumni said:
“Positive aspirations are crucial for young people’s future success. Mosaic is proud to have the support of the IVLP alumni in helping us to inspire the next generation. Together, we can help even more young people to bridge the aspirations-attainment gap and empower them to achieve greatness.”
Harris Bokhari – Mosaic Board Member and IVLP Alumni, The Prince’s Trust
Initiatives like the Mosaic mentoring programmes are increasingly crucial in level the playing field for young people from some of the most hard-to-reach areas, or marginalised backgrounds. The new partnership will add greater diversity in mentor representation and connect young people to of some of the most inspirational and progressive future leaders from a variety of backgrounds and professions from across the world.
Giving young people access to such positive role models who they wouldn’t otherwise have such access to can be transformative in helping raise their aspirations and empower them with the confidence to achieve success themselves, irrespective of their background.
Senior Head of Mosaic and Community Integration, Nizam Uddin said:
“We increasingly find that what our young people find ‘relatable’ is as diverse as the young people we work with themselves. With the incredible support from the IVLP we’re excited to connect and give our young people access to some of the most inspiring current and future leaders from around the world. An absolutely invaluable opportunity for so many.”
Nizam Uddin – Senior Head of Mosaic and Community Integration, The Prince’s Trust
It is through mentoring programmes such as those offered through Mosaic that make the seemingly unachievable a reality for young people – particularly those from minority backgrounds.
