Well I appear to have fallen in love
with Mosaic after finishing the 1st week of the program at the
University of Greenwich.
The eventful week, that brought 80
young delegates from 16 countries together, was kicked off on 9 September with the
welcoming remarks by Jonathan Freeman,
Mosaic International Director, “I’m delighted and
excited to see all the young participants across the globe, gathered together
for 2 weeks to share their ideas and experiences with one another which makes
this program so powerful.”
 |
| Jonathan Freeman |
Deema Bibi, CEO of INJAZ, a leading Jordanian youth organization was the first speaker who stimulated the audiences by saying, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” Emphasizing on teamwork she said, ”To go fast, go alone, but to go far go together.”
 |
| Deema Bibi |
Baroness
Warsi, a lawyer, a businesswoman, a campaigner and a cabinet minister but
best known for being the first Muslim to serve in a British cabinet, is a
daughter of a former mill-worker and bus driver. Her story of personal
leadership journey moved all the participants. Mother of five children, Warsi
set an example of work-life balance. “Leadership is about creating leader,” she
said.
 |
| Baroness Warsi |
Later that day, participants
experienced how individuals could contribute to a team when they painted small
pieces of paper, which ended up with beautiful MOSAIC. Thanks to the School of
Traditional Arts who made us painters for at least an hour.
 |
| The MOSAIC |
Being attached with media for so
many years, I was so excited when I saw the name of Aaqil
Ahmed, Commissioning Editor, BBC on the list of speakers. Second day started
with the session on “Bringing Communities Together,” where Aaqil said, “News is
not a friend, news is a business.” The session was also addressed by Peter Sanders photographer and Bushra
Nasir, the first Muslim woman to become a head teacher of a state school.
 |
| Aaqil Ahmed |
“Bringing Communities Together” was
followed by “Empowering Young People” facilitated by John May, Secretary General, Duke of Edinburg’s International Award. His
charismatic delivery was not only very entertaining but also gave a clear direction
about leadership. “Believe in yourself and others will believe in you too,”
John said about the quality of a leader.
 |
| John May |
11 September in the morning Stephen
Howard, Chief Executive of Business in the Community stressed the
importance of entrepreneurship. He shared how he was inspired by the
conversation with Mother Teresa, who he bumped into accidentally. “No matter who
you are, matter is what you have done for your country,” Mother Teresa talking
with Sephen. Khawar
Mann, Chairman of Mosaic and Dr Alan
Knight, Environmental Sustainability Director, Business in the Community,
also talked about personal leadership and sustainability respectively.
The day ended with a glorious moment
when we all got the chance to meet HRH the Prince of Wales and HRH Princess
Badiya bint El Hassan, founder Chairman of Mosaic, at Prince’s London
residence, Clarence House. Thanks to
Mosaic for this opportunity and hats off to the Price for hosting the event. News published on Bangla Barta, one of the popular online newspapers in Bangladesh.  |
| Stephen Howard |
 |
| Khawar Mann |
 |
| Dr Alan Knight |
The following two days were about
visiting fields and seeing some projects on the ground.
But the week was not about only
speeches and lectures, it was also a fantastic week of hanging out with a culturally diverse population, eating out
and laughing together.
No comments:
Post a Comment