Jon Fawsitt, Agne Sarutyte and Jordan Browne

We’ll be helping Boris to give young people a better future

by Amanda Nunn Wednesday, September 26, 2012
10:05 AM

Three Redbridge College students will be reporting to London Mayor Boris Johnson on strategies to help disaffected young people.

While working on a project celebrating the Cultural Olympiad, they impressed senior staff at the Greater London Authority (GLA) so much they were invited back to interview for the positions.

The three have been appointed as peer outreach workers, complete with their own office in City Hall, to find ways of helping young people.

John Fawsitt, Agne Sarutyte and Jordan Browne will all continue their graphic design and media studies while taking on the new roles.

Agne, 21, said: “I never expected to be offered an opportunity like this. It will be a real challenge but I am looking forward to working with young people and helping them to move forwards.”

They will report to Boris with their findings during quarterly meetings.

The students, who study at the college in Barley Lane, Little Heath, will be also be working on local community-based projects.

Jordan, 20, said: “At the interview I was asked about the responsibilities of the Mayor’s Office, the role of the GLA, why I wanted to be involved and what skills I thought I could bring to the team.

“I’m most looking forward to mentoring young people by drawing on my own experiences.”

The GLA supports the work of the Mayor of London and aims to engage young people as well as helping his office to develop and deliver strategies across London.

The youngsters will be organising events and projects in schools, leading workshops and mentoring students, working directly with disaffected young people across Redbridge and London.

Jon, 19, said: “I’ve always wanted to be able to work with young people. Hopefully I can help inspire them to follow the right paths.”