Two teams of students from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) were celebrated in the Houses of Parliament for their innovative projects developed as of part in the Three Faiths Forum (3FF) 2016 ParliaMentors programme
10 students from QMUL have been recognised for their social action projects using research from their local communities in Tower Hamlets. They were created during their time on the 3FF ParliaMentors programme, which aims to develop political leadership.
One of the teams designed a plan to improve mental health on the QMUL campus. They brought together the QMUL students’ union, counselling service and students to bring changes in the counselling system, in order to make it more accessible.
Afsana Salik, an International Relations student at QMUL, said: “We believe our work will benefit the future students of our university and hopefully others in Tower Hamlets who also uses similar services.”
Apart from creating their own projects, the award-winning ParliaMentors programme aims to develop leadership through training sessions on skills like teamwork, leadership and public speaking. This gives students the abilities they need to affect real change in their communities, in their careers and in the political arena. They were also supported by local and national NGOs, as well as mentored by MPs who gave them an insight into parliamentary life over the year.
The programme is in its 10th anniversary year and has empowered over 400 young leaders through expert training and being mentored by MPs, including Sadiq Khan, Keir Starmer and Hilary Benn.
“Overall, this programme has been an amazing experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who’s keen to make a difference in their community.
“The ParliaMentors application process is open for 2017/18, so if you’re keen to work with others of different backgrounds and aspire to be a political or community leader, or just have an interest in making a positive impact on society, I would recommend that you take part. It’s just a short application form away!” added Afana.
QMUL has a range of schemes and partnerships to foster leadership and enhance students’ skills. Students can take part in various volunteering and social enterprise projects benefiting the local community such as the Enactus scheme, Green Mary Project Assistants and Citizens UK project. Click here for full list.
3FF connects people of all faiths and beliefs by running education, engagement and action programmes that bring diverse communities together. Their work involves teachers, students and young professionals, faith organisations, artists and galleries, political leaders in Parliament and upcoming leaders still at university.
3FF celebrated the achievements of 50 young leaders of different faiths and beliefs graduating from the ParliaMentors programme on the 11 of July at the Attlee Suite, Houses of Parliament.
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