HRH The Prince of Wales has congratulated a group of over 70 mentors for their positive contribution to children and adults in some of the country’s most deprived communities.
The individuals who volunteer on behalf of Mosaic, a mentoring initiative set up by The Prince of Wales in 2007, were invited to attend a reception at Sandringham this week to celebrate their achievements.
The charity, an initiative of Business in the Community, provides fully funded mentoring programmes to help create opportunities for young people growing up in some of the most deprived communities. Each year over 6,500 individuals benefit from their programmes which operate throughout both primary and secondary schools and prisons.
The participants at the reception came from all around England and were selected for their outstanding contribution and commitment to helping others. During the event the winner of the Princess Badiya Mentor of the Year Awards 2014, Abdin Ahmed was announced following an exemplary track record of working with children in several East London schools.
Run by Mosaic, the Princess Badiya Award recognises the commitment made by the mentors who give their time and skills to support young people from deprived communities, helping them realise their talents and potential.
The winner for 2014, Abdin Ahmed, a Senior Technical Support Analyst from Denton’s Law Firm who has been working with the charity since 2009 commented on his win saying; “I’m absolutely honoured to have been given this award. Working with Mosaic and the children is my way of giving something back and I certainly never expected recognition for it but I’m obviously delighted and flattered to have been selected from such a worthy, inspirational group of individuals.”
Princess Badiya bint El Hassan, Mosaic’s Founder Chairman, said; “It is very good to have the opportunity to thank Mosaic’s wonderful volunteer mentors. The time they generously give to providing advice, guidance and support to so many young people has a great impact on their lives and future prospects. It is an honour to have an award in my name that recognises particularly outstanding mentors. I am pleased to announce Abdin Ahmed as this year’s winner. His contribution and dedication are an inspirational example of what mentoring can achieve.”
With the help of volunteer mentors acting as role models, Mosaic aims to bridge the aspirations-attainment gap, boosting confidence, self-efficacy and long-term employability.