Young People's Success Stories

Sherée Prospere

I have been volunteering at IARS since the summer of 2011, and I can honestly say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the process. Initially choosing to volunteer for IARS became a relatively simple decision due to the main principles that IARS promote and embody.

The inclusion of young people within the aspects of social policy and governmental decision was a unique and prominent appeal, as I believe the youth of any generation should not be ignored and have a powerful influence on significant life-changing decisions.

I was involved in the Serious Youth Violence on Public Transport project, where I attended fortnightly meetings with other IARS volunteers to discuss and begin to construct the main research question that was to be investigated.

I also became involved in the 99% Campaign that IARS hosts, through this campaign I was able to attend the first Core Partner’s Meeting, I wrote an article on the recent riots was also published onto the IARS website, and was quoted online.

From these projects I have gained an improved sense of confidence in public speaking, writing, and interacting with those who I may not have had to opportunity to otherwise. Through this experience, not only have I acquired the skills needed for future work, but I also have a greater understanding of the work of independent organisations such as IARS and their valuable work in encouraging those who at present have control over policies in society, to take a chance on those whose opinions may not be valued or heard.

Currently I am in my final year at university studying Criminology and Sociology, so after graduation I hopefully will return to IARS to volunteer and gain further valuable experience, so I can possibly gain a career within Social Policy.

Tatiana Garavito

My name is Tatiana, I have been studying and volunteering at Independent Academic Research Studies since last year. I joined IARS because I was looking for experience to work around research programmes as I think that is the most appropriate way forward to influence policy making. So I found IARS and I had the opportunity to study a Certificate in Youth Policy in partnership with London Metropolitan University.

I have personally found this studying and working experience very exciting because I am already working with young people from Latin American backgrounds, and I can visualise the potential of investigation when improving the poor conditions of a community. I therefore feel very thankful for being part of this initiative.

Danni Briggs

My name is Danni, I’m 20 and I have been with IARS for around 10 months now. I originally got involved by signing up for the Certificate in Youth Policy. I never thought in a million years that I would be doing a University course as school was never my thing, but here I am in my last 2 months!

I’ve gained so much confidence while studying and volunteering at IARS, I recently sat on a panel in front of 100 people discussing the new proposal for the changes to Stop and Account. Needless to say I was nervous, but I got through it and I was so proud of myself for standing my ground and voicing my opinions.

I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve taken part in at IARS and I’m so grateful for the opportunities I have been given.

Charley Bird

Charley first started volunteering with IARS in February 2011 as part of his work placement for his Youth Work course at Lewisham College.

As a volunteer, Charley has helped facilitate two focus groups on changes to Police ‘Stop and Account’ procedures at The Tower Project and Westminster school. This provided him with the opportunity to facilitate groups of young people, which is a main component of his course.

Charley has also attended several of our training days including Police Powers and Young People, Employment Law and Young People and Housing Law and Young People. He is currently volunteering as a young researcher on our Serious Youth Violence on Public Transport project.

“IARS interests me because I'm interested in the topics of their research projects. During my time at IARS I've found I can communicate better with people as a whole, and have developed research skills from both participating and facilitating focus groups.”

Sufia Shahnawaz

Sufia started volunteering with IARS in June 2011 and she is currently volunteering on our Young Women in the Criminal Justice System project. She was intitially attracted to volunteering for the organisation because she was interested in learning more about the criminal justice system and she was excited at the prospect of volunteering for an organisation that is a "force for change".

Whilst she has been volunteering, Sufia has really enjoyed "getting to know the other volunteers on the project and learning about the experiences of young women in the criminal justice system". She has found her volunteering experience enjoyable as "the project is practical and she has a real feeling of being able to make a difference". She now feels that she has a better grasp of how research is conducted by NGOs and the experience has really improved her team work skills.

Clara Collingwood

Clara spent a week working with IARS for a work experience placement  from the 5th to the 8th of July 2011.

Through the course of the week she took part in many different activities such as updating IARS’s social media, shadowing volunteer inductions, working on a training brochure, gathering information for an online auction fundraising event and brainstorming ideas for the TFL 99% Campaign poster project.

Clara thoroughly enjoyed her work experience with IARS and feels that she has learnt a lot about the organisation and government policies. She feels that this experience has opened her eyes to the many careers surrounding politics and journalism and would love to stay involved with the organisation in future.

Alex Amileke

Alex started volunteering with IARS in September 2010 when he commenced studying for our work-based Certificate in Youth Policy. Since then, Alex has attended several training days including Active Young Citizens, Employment Law and Young People, Housing Law and Young People and Police Powers and Young People. Alex is currently volunteering as a young researcher on our Serious Youth Violence on Public Transport project.

Volunteering at IARS has provided Alex, who is currently studying for his A-Levels, with the opportunity to have his activities and learning accredited at a university level.

“I have acquired a lot of knowledge around policy issues that affect young people…developed skills such as time management, team work, communication and research skills. Through reading different reports and conducting research, I have also developed my reading and analytical skills. The greatest thing that interests me in IARS is their determination to make a difference to young people, who often struggle to have their voices heard on youth related policies.”

Hannah Wilkinson

Hannah has cerebral palsy and volunteered with IARS between 2008 and 2010. During her time at IARS Hannah represented the organisation at various events and designed marketing material for projects. She completed both a v50 award and a vimpact award. Hannah became a champion to show other young people that disability is not a barrier to achieving ambitions.

Mo Omer

Mo started volunteering with IARS when he was unemployed in order to develop his skills to help him find a job. Mo got involved in projects with a focus on criminal justice issues, helping to evaluate practices such Stop and Search. He undertook IARS' training in Human Rights and IARS' Research Methods Training. Through the opportunities available at IARS Mo returned to studying and successfully sought part-time work.

Francesca Ovidi

Francesca undertook a part-time volunteering opportunity with IARS in 2009 as part of a placement organised with London Metropolitan University. She wanted to develop her research knowledge and skills and undertook IARS' Research Methods Training. She was supported to carry out youth-led research for the first edition of the Youth Voice Journal. Francesca completed the project, became a published author and went on to become involved in event organisation for IARS. She was also recruited by IARS staff to be the Chairperson of the Youth Advisory Group.

Her experience with IARS gave her the confidence to apply successfully for a postgraduate course in Social Policy and Research Methods at the London School of Economics. 

Davina Merchant

Davina began volunteering with IARS in June 2010, she is currently a student at a local college, and has contributed to the Youth Voice journal special edition, which will be published in 2011.

Davina excelled in meeting the journalism challenges of this project and developed skills in working with different people from a range of backgrounds. She undertook IARS' Research Methods Training as part of her involvement in this project.

Davina contributed an article to the journal exploring young people's attitudes towards disability and how this impacts on the way that they relate to the forthcoming Paralympics. She has already developed her understanding of equality and disability issues, and is seeking to share that learning with other young people through her article. 

Jamal Holder

Jamal Holder first started working with IARS in late September 2010. He applied for an apprenticeship position as a Networks and Outreach Assistant and progressed to the role of Research and Administration Assistant.

Before coming to IARS Jamal had been unemployed for over 6 months and was on Job Seekers Allowance. Since starting at IARS he has not only developed practical skills for the workplace but has also enrolled on IARS' Certificate in Youth Policy. Jamal has taken on these challenges enthusiastically and hopes they will enable him to fulfill his dream of opening up his own youth centre.

Jabrane Iguider

Jabrane has been volunteering with IARS since the Autumn of 2009. During his time here he has contributed to the Youth Voice Journal as a young researcher and undertook IARS' Research Methods Training. His project involved working with a group of young people from diverse backgrounds to explore the youth perspective on Local Authority community engagement mechanisms.  

Jabrane has gone on to become a champion for youth-led work . He now sits on the Youth Advisory Group and continues to be a committed volunteer at IARS.

Jabrane is currently studying for our Certificate in Youth Policy. This is an opportunity for Jabrane to learn new skills, such as writing reports and delivering presentations. A hard-working individual, Jabrane is a longstanding volunteer with IARS and through the Certificate in Youth Policy we are able to recognise his achievements and commitment to the organisation.

Anaam Raza

Anaam has been volunteering with IARS since June 2010. Anaam came to IARS to gain experience in journalism to enable her to realise her ambition of becoming a journalist. Anaam worked with Davina to contribute a thought-provoking article to the Youth Voice journal special edition exploring issues around attitudes towards disability.

As part of this volunteering opportunity Anaam has worked with a variety of young disabled people and has become involved in youth-led film opportunities to promote IARS' work. Anaam also particpated in IARS' Research Methods Training.

She has built up an impressive CV which will help her fulfill her ambition of becoming a journalist.

Ifeatu Nnaobi

Ifeatu has been volunteering with IARS since September 2010 and so far has contributed a huge amount of her time and effort to working with the team. Ifeatu has been involved in a range of research projects and undertook IARS' Research Methods Training. She was recently nominated to participate in IARS' Take Over Day as part of which she shadowed IARS' Chairperson for a day. She improved her understanding of charity governance and impressed IARS' Chair, Elena Noel, with her intelligent questions and hardworking attitude.

Ifeatu believes that her experience at IARS has been been highly valuable to her future, providing her with skills and essential experiences for seeking employment successfully.