The Newham Voices’ event in collaboration with London Works took place on 15^th July was a great discussion.

Corporate representatives provided by London Works included:

Jubril Awoyera, HSBC Project Manager;
Lilia Lamberto, Principle Cleaning HR & Support Services Director;
Jennifer Doyle, FCA Talent Manager / Executive Resourcing & Talent / Human Resources.

Newham Voices guest speakers included:

Hamza Islam, Spokesperson and volunteer at Ashok’s Vision;
Denny Cornuaud, Community Engagement & Partnership Lead for Plaistow South Big Local;
Raheel Butt, Director of The Compound: Newham’s Street Gym and UK Leading Expert in Gangs and Terrorism.

Drawing from his own personal experience, 18-year-old Hamza Islam spoke about access to information and opportunities. Coming from a school that was forthright in providing a lot of support in terms of access to information, through on and offline resources, he asked:

“What about those without that support? There is a responsibility on the part of corporate organisations to ensure their information reaches young students, make clear their recruitment goals, objectives and expectations and extend feedback to prospective recruits after interviews. Some do this well, many don’t.”

As a person from a minority background, Jubril Awoyera of HSBC spoke more about individual positive action, studying to achieve good qualifications, working hard and taking your own initiative. This was how he progressed his career.

He also mentioned that he would directly confront any racism or discrimination whenever he felt he was facing these situations. However, some attendees raised the concern that academia was not an option for everyone, and it was important to ensure these people had a chance and were not excluded from opportunities.

Raheel Butt spoke candidly and powerfully about his experiences as a former offender who had cleaned up his life. He talked about a failing system that pushes offenders back in the wrong direction.

Having walked away from fast, easy money, Raheel uses The Compound Street Gym, which he now runs, as a conduit through which he tries to divert the energies of young people away from the streets into more enterprising opportunities. He said:

“The system needs to work to steer young people in a positive direction. Continued lack of support and opportunities will simply push many into a life of crime.”

Everyone agreed on the importance of working together to help young people get the opportunities they need. Speaking with particular reference to the challenges young people in Newham face, Denny Cornuaud, said:

“I continue to be amazed by our young people and what they continue to achieve despite all the challenges. We must stop assuming and ask our young people what they want.

“To the Corporates, I ask about opportunities for more avenues to listen to young people, to provide more openings through non-academic routes; for us as community groups, how can we come together to become facilitators and support young people on their journey.”

If you want to find out more information about corporate work opportunities London Works can steer you in the right direction. They work closely with corporate businesses in London to help young people get work.

There are a number of apprenticeship programmes available. You do not need to have a degree.

They also have the Moving On Up programme which is available for black males 16-24 in London.

You can contact: email / 07908 042 100

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