Amol Rajan

I am 25 years old and a journalist who lives locally.  I work for The Independent as a news reporter, covering everything from the London 2012 Olympics to showbiz stories and politics and crime.

I worked with young people a lot when I was growing up in South London, mentoring and coaching cricket both in my school and in places like Brixton.   But I was forced to give that up when I went to university, and since coming back to London in 2005 I’ve just not been able to make the time to get back into it.  That’s partly because when I was working on The Wright Stuff on Channel 5, which I did for two years, I had to get up before 5 every morning!

But now things have changed.  I’m actually working longer hours but my schedule is clearer in the evenings.  I just walked past Prospex one day, looked inside, and said to myself: ‘I want to be part of that’.

Why do I volunteer with Prospex?  There are lots of answers.  Anger: at the lack of opportunities given to many young people in Islington, and the fact that so little is being done to help them.  Duty: a sense that everyone should help those less fortunate than themselves, and that fraternity within communities can heal wounds better than government.  And enjoyment: because working with young people is just great fun.

But two other things most of all.  First, my dad.  He grew up in rural India half a century ago in the kind of poverty most people can’t imagine.  He taught me the virtues of hard work and ambition, and that if you aim high you can escape difficult circumstances.  If it worked for him, it can work for others.  He is a hero of mine and I want to pass that conviction on to other people.

And second, optimism. I am fundamentally a positive, forward-looking person.  Young people are our future.  By helping them to aim high and achieve great things, I think Prospex and I can do our own tiny little bit to make the future fairer, stronger, and happier for all.

Ruth is a local Solicitor who has got involved with our ‘Right to Read’ programme designed to teach and support young people to read on an individual basis, Ruth lives in the local community and without her support and the support of others like her many young people would miss out.Matt is a local teacher working in local primary school with a real passion to see young people grow and develop reaching the potential. Matt was the original brain child of ‘Prospex Works’ and has worked with us on and off from the beginning bringing wisdom, skill and practical support in a variety of ways.