Story: Saiba Mahmood | Photo: Hajara Farooq
Burngreave based group ‘Reach up’ organised a careers advice day for young people at the Town Hall on 15th March, with support from Sheffieldr. Reach up is an organisation for girls, based on Verdon Street, that helps girls express their views, ideas and opinions. The group invited people from different professions, including a doctor, dental hygienist, business owner, fire service and police service, so children from year 8 onwards could get advice about the career they are interested in.
A young volunteer from Broomhall, Ahmed Abdi, who is studying at university said, “I would advise young people to follow what you want to do and stick to the subject which you are interested in.” Doctor Shadia Ahmed said, “It’s important to do volunteer work, and not to give up even when things don’t go the way you had hoped.” A Special Constable of South Yorkshire Police, Abaid Hussain, advised young people to get involved in volunteer policing or the Cadets; not only does it improve confidence, but it also gives good experience and a stable base when applying for other jobs.
The organiser of the event Safiya Saeed stated, “This event was all about inspiration and getting the right advice from the right person. All our guests are here to give advice and are good role models for the kids. It is a city wide event but our main target is BME children.”
The local MP, David Blunkett also took part in the event. He said, “From my own experiences, I want people to have access to opportunities and do things that others think they can’t do. I was determined to succeed and now I am determined to help others succeed.”