Social Media and Communications Committee
At City Year London we have various committees which are made up of corps members that share interests in the same field. The Social Media and Communications Committee has taken it upon themselves to write blogs and ‘starfish’ stories on our ‘Corps Member Stories’ page. Their aims are to share some of their experiences of life at City Year London…
Lianne Raymond
Hi my name is Lianne Raymond. I am 24 years old and from Tottenham in North London.
I graduated from Kingston University in 2010 with a degree in Sociology. Sociology is a subject I have been passionate about since secondary school as I found learning about how different people interacted in society very interesting. This passion has lead me to want to become a social worker in the long run.
I joined City Year as I wanted to help children realise and fulfil their full potential and not feel held back in their lives by factors such as age, race, sex or background.
I am looking forward to my upcoming year of service which will help me develop as a young leader and role model and I hope that I can successfully put across the message that young people CAN change the world.
Jessica Swan
My name is Jessica Swan I am a 23 year old Sussex English and Drama graduate from South West London. During my youth I quickly learnt both independence and respect for others. Respect grew from the need for harmony in my large family and from living with homeless and refugee families in our council flat, we all had to understand one another and respect each other’s differences. Independence grew from being an older sibling and gradually one of the elder children on the block. I joined City Year because I fondly remember the days in that flat. I recall the joy I gained from teaching the new children English and helping them understand their new surroundings. I joyfully recall the things those children taught me about their cultures, background and experience, and I am grateful for the time I was given to spend with every child, time that I feel made an impact on their feelings towards Britain.
I believe City Year makes an impact on the children and adults that each corps member meets. The ethos and idealism that the corps members demonstrate show not only their dedication to individual children but also to the wider community. My understanding is that if each child can respect and understand their community, and their community can welcome and involve them, then each child will understand their overall value. City year aims to make that happen, and it is an honour to be a part of that.
Joseph Carey
Hi! My name is Joey, I am 24 years old and I am very proud to serve on the Pride (..yeahh Pride!) Team at Brixton’s Evelyn Grace Academy. I studied Education and Creative Writing at Sussex University. I worked with young people, travelled in the USA for many summers and began coaching children’s football at the age of 17. Working with children and young people, as well as contributing to making a positive difference in their lives, has become a passion in my life. City Year will be the next step in my path to helping give all young people the best possible opportunity to succeed, in and out of the classroom.
Kayode Oki
My name is Oki and I proudly serve on the Unity team at City Year London’s first secondary school. I’m an 18 year old ex-Londoner living in Rochester, Kent. I’m a British Nigerian and wannabe Japanese so I named myself Kayode Hiroyuki Oki. ‘Hiroyuki’ means middle of the ocean. I chose Hiroyuki because I was born Nigerian, but culturally I see myself as British, so really I am somewhere in the middle (… of the ocean!). My goal this year is to ensure all the children in my tutorial class go up at least one level in their reading and writing.
Harriet Batambuze
Hi! My Name is Harriet and I am 23 years old. I live in Camden, north London and I graduated from the University of Kent with a degree in Sociology. I joined City Year in August 2011 and I am really enjoying the work I am doing here. This is because I am able to help the community and the children in my school, as well as being given opportunities to help myself grow as a person. City Year is one of the best jobs I have had and I look forward to sharing my experiences on this blog.
Sharon Panesar
I’m 24 and live in west London. I decided to help children because as a child I was bullied and had a heap of other problems. The whole stereotypical aspect of being a child/youth didn’t help and I just wanted to be supportive for someone in the way I never had. I have a degree in psychology and philosophy. My studies helped me a lot and opened my mind to see things from almost every angle. I’ve worked with children and they are just mini adults – we just don’t give them a chance!
Michael Procter
My name is Mike Procter. I am 20 years old and I’m currently halfway through a degree in Psychology, where I am taking some time out to change the world. City Year is an amazing opportunity to connect with children and give them a chance to change the world themselves. In the next year I want to make enough of a difference so that the school and the children will never forget me. I proudly serve on the National Grid team.
Yemi Akinwoleola
My name is Yemi Akinwoleola. I am 21 years old and have just finished my degree in Psychology. In doing my degree I made the decision to work with children because I saw it as a great opportunity to inspire. City Year is such a fantastic opportunity because not only do I have the chance to inspire and be inspired by the children I work with, but I am also continually inspired by my team and all the development opportunities we have to grow at City Year.
Zainab Shahid
My name is Zainab Shahid and I come from Northolt in west London. I am 21 years of age and I have just graduated from Brunel University, acquiring a 2:1 in Film and Television Studies. I chose to join City Year London because I have always been passionate about teaching and making a difference to young children’s lives. I believe City Year London has a strong ethos of providing children with educational, social and emotional support. I feel privileged to be able to embark on such a journey with City Year London. I will proudly serve as part of the Barclays Capital Team over the next eleven months.
Cyril Ofori
My name is Cyril Ofori and I volunteer at St Anne’s Primary School in Tower Hamlets as part of the Barclays Capital team. I am 23 and from Camberwell, South London and I was interested in City Year with the aim to help children in primary schools see themselves as future leaders. I feel this is very important for their confidence and ability to communicate effectively within various social circles. I have a degree in International Business Management, which I apply to my brand Bee Original Forever. I have worked with college students so it is a new experience working with Year 2 primary school students!
