Sonia Lapaire was in charge of Providence’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme and was introduced to Mosaic by the Business in the Community. She is now working for Beautiful British Spring in collaboration with the community and the financial sector.
With a background in education, from nursery school to adult literacy, counseling and youth coaching; she was keen to join Mosaic’s Primary School programme at Selwyn Primary School in East London, a school including children with diverse abilities.
Along with other volunteer mentors, she attended an induction followed by nine interactive sessions, which included the mothers of 15 girls aged 9-10, including two girls with hearing impairment.
Sonia said: “The fact that the activities were designed to introduce the children to a world of professional opportunities, give an insight into the mentors’ daily jobs and to improve self-confidence, created a space in which everyone could share their dreams. This allowed for great interaction and a nice flow of energy.
On Mosaic’s mentoring programme, Sonia said: “It was a privilege to participate and deliver it in a very welcoming school and to receptive girls and mums. It was also an exceptional opportunity for them to spend a day at Westminster University and attend their own graduation held in South Bank Centre.”
Sonia added: “If I were to pass on a message I would say that a dream comes first into our minds before we pencil or write it down. After that the steps taken, one at a time, will make a dream come true. That is why it is nice to have children’s drawings and written words pinned around. For me they are the future in the making.”
Mosaic has, since its inception, done exemplary work in raising the aspirations and building the confidence of young people. Role models and mentors are crucial to success and I have seen at first-hand the difference Mosaic’s programmes make in the lives of those involved....