AMBASSADORS OF HOPE

Hope is for everyone.

I don’t believe that socio-economic background, race, gender or disability should limit your access to opportunities in both education and employment and I’m really passionate about ensuring this fair and equitable access for all, especially given the impact of COVID-19 on those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Lewis

It’s very difficult to see the positives and have hope when you’re staring a pandemic straight in the face. This is a new experience for all of us and I don’t think anyone can deny that COVID-19 has changed our lives forever.

Our traditional ways of working, learning, accessing public services and interacting with our friends and family have all been destroyed by this virus. It’s extremely easy (and understandable!) to think about all these changes from a negative perspective however I think it’s important to

explore the positive opportunities that COVID-19 is presenting us and how we can continue with these opportunities as we head forward into the ‘new normal’.

What I’ve found most striking is the wide recognition that these periods of ‘inactivity’ as a result of COVID-19 have been very beneficial for personal development and growth. Many of my friends and colleagues have stated they’ve found themselves with little to do so it was interesting to discover that many others had used the opportunity to engage in self development. I’ve done my very best to use my added free time wisely with plenty of reading, online courses and personal development.

Throughout this pandemic, I’ve been staggered at the willingness of the public to volunteer and support their communities with all manner of things – from IT professionals repairing old computer equipment to give disadvantaged children access to teaching resources at home, to local shops becoming collection points for stationary and school supplies and community groups organising breakfast clubs for vulnerable children to ensure they don’t miss out as a result of a reduction in household income.

I hope that we can retain some of these positive benefits and go even further, ensuring a future filled with opportunities that are accessible to everyone. I don’t believe that socio-economic background, race, gender or disability should limit your access to opportunities in both education and employment and I’m really passionate about ensuring this fair and equitable access for all, especially given the impact of COVID-19 on those from disadvantaged backgrounds.