01.02.2024

Spotlight on inspiring young people from Tower Hamlets. Saarah speaks in UK parliament about social mobility

In January 2024, Saarah Rahman from Tower Hamlets, London, addressed the UK Parliament. She shed light on economic deprivation and the importance of youth work for social mobility. In a passionate speech, Saarah shared her journey through education, and how deprivation among the youth holds them back in life especially when they’re from a deprived area.

How Youth work inspired Saarah to think bigger

Saarah gave credit to Spotlight for being her guiding light. We provided her with mentoring, opportunities, and crucial support throughout the years. According to Saarah, this support not only propelled her towards university but also boosted her confidence, inspiring her to strive for more.

Bridging the Gap: Saarah’s Social Mobility Project

Beyond personal success, Saarah is actively involved in a social mobility project at her university. Collaborating with her professor, she aims to bridge the gap between economic classes, sharing her experiences and addressing disparities between working-class backgrounds and middle-class peers.

Saarah’s incredible efforts have gained further recognition, attracting the interest of university heads, councillors, and UNESCO UK. Invitations to schools are pouring in, where she plans to share her experiences and inspire other young individuals facing economic challenges. Institutions are also keen on collaborating with Saarah on articles about economic and social deprivation.

Saarah has a promising future ahead as she approaches the end of her Politics and International Studies degree at Warwick University, she hopes to pursue a master’s degree as her next step!

Our youth worker, Suzanne, who has inspired Saarah throughout her journey said:

“I think we should all be thankful that we have someone like Saarah representing us so positively please join me in wishing her well on her journey. I have no doubt we will see her on TV in Parliament in the near future and I’ve been telling her this since school. She has just a few months left of her Politics and International Studies degree at Warwick University where she hopes to progress to her master’s afterwards.”

Get inspired at Spotlight

Youth voice is at the heart of what we do at Spotlight, Tower Hamlets is London’s youngest borough and the home to pure talent and ambition. Spotlight is open to inspire and take young people far, wherever they are on their journey.

Take a look at our programmes to get involved:

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