A Ministry of Defence civil servant who set up a scheme to help Muslim children and young people into education or their first job has been recognised at The Muslim News Awards 2016.
The MOD’s Education Outreach Programme Director, Andy Gillman, was a runner up at the awards last night after being nominated by the readership of The Muslim News.
For over a decade, Andy has been involved in helping Muslim children and young people all across the UK with curriculum support, personal development and employability skills.
The outreach programme undertakes workshops such as mentoring, specialist speakers, application form and CV completion, all geared towards helping the next generation achieve that higher course, get into university or that first job in the 21st century’s competitive world.
Speaking about the nomination, Andy said:
I would never have believed that this Education Outreach Programme – which I had the opportunity to build back in 2002 – would be shortlisted for a category in the Muslim News Awards 2016.
This programme has delivered real social mobility opportunities, creating opportunities for our next generation and supporting students in some very challenging locations. I have been delivering it throughout the year, and every year, since its creation which demonstrates both its longevity and robustness.
Over the years, when I hear accounts of students gaining that first job, progressing to a higher course or being the first in their family to get to Higher Education through my workshops, or education providers reporting that my programme is considered best practice in employer engagement, that is certainly the most rewarding aspect of the programme.
It is humbling to learn of so many students’ success stories in this competitive 21st century world, and it remains a joy and a pleasure to continue to deliver this programme.
The Muslim News Awards, run by the largest independent Muslim newspaper in Britain, recognise achievement and promote excellence within the UK Muslim community.
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