Delegates from the Dynamic Leadership Against the Odds course
wins top award
Delegates from the Dynamic Leadership
Aaliyah Mpesi, Jamal Mohammed, Susan Smith and Hamel Ibrahim, delegates who graduated from Excell3’s Dynmaic Leadership against the odds course, were delighted to have won the Jamaican Nationals Inspiring Youth Award. The Award was presented Cllr Sharon Thompson, the Deputy Leader of Birmingham Local Authority
Working in small groups, one of the tasks delegates on the programme were required to undertake was to, identify a pressing social issue, demonstrate how they could use their leadership skills to address the issue, then present their project to a panel of Black professional judges. One group, Speak Out for the Voiceless, looked at the issue of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM,) a form of abuse that affects millions of girls and women around the world. Their presentation was outstanding; they won first prize on the course.
Dr Cheron Byfield, the chair of Excell3, also attended the award ceremony, She said
“These young black professionals deserved to win this prestigious award. Yes, they applied themselves to the course and did extremely well, however, what impressed me was how they were fuelled by their passion for Speak Out for the Voiceless, that they did not stop at the theoretical level of the Project, but made a bold move to implement their project by organising a national conference for professionals to raise awareness of FGM. The conference was a huge success; it was oversubscribed with all 100 places taken up by their target group of professional e.g. GP’s social workers, health practitioners, local counselors, family lawyers, midwives, faith leaders, community leaders etc. Many professionals had to be turned away as the conference was full”
The national conference they had hosted addressed the issue with deep cultural sensitivity, raised awareness of FGM and also offered resources to support survivors of FGM in a way that fostered healing and empowerment. Many delegates were moved to tears as women shared their personal traumatic stories. Participates left the conference with a determination to raise awareness of the issue and provide practical support to women and young girls affected by this awful abuse.
Equipped with the tools from the Dynamic Leadership against the Odds training programme, and the enhanced confidence they had gained from organising Speak Out for the Voiceless national conference three delegates progressed into various leadership roles.
Aaliyah went unto confront her own mental health challenges abuse from childhood abuse and help others confront theirs also, by launching a summer program for young people aged between the ages of 7 to 18. Her advocacy work has been driven by a desire to create spaces where healing and growth are possible.
Amal is now the Director of MVE, a survivor led organization which was born out of the Conference. MVE focuses on FGM and sexual abuse particularly within the Somalian/African community. MVE now has over 2000 followers.
Jamal managed to secure an internship with Morgan Stanley Investment Management and mentored by the Global Co- CEO of Real Estates at MSIM, after which, although only 24 years of age, he was headhunted as the Finance Business Partner at his local airport. His achievement are down to him using his initiative, taking on responsibility and creating opportunities out of nothing.
