When Nizam Uddin was in his early 20s, he joined EECF’s Community Self-Help scheme, a capacity-building and employment programme which we ran in partnership with New City College (previously Tower Hamlets College).
Now, 25 years on, he manages St Matthias Community Church, that hosts Neighbours in Poplar, a charity supporting thousands of residents.
“I’d say the programme was decisive in my career.
The best thing about it for me was the mentoring I received. EECF’s Community Engagement Officer at the time, Helen Kenney, was my mentor. She was so amazing. She totally supported me and when I was frustrated or felt knocked back, she was there for me and talked things through with me.
The whole ethos of the programme was about supporting us in a holistic way. Building our confidence, helping us think through what options were available to us and what we had the potential to do. So, at my first placement, it wasn’t really working out for me. Helen said, “Don’t worry, we can find somewhere else”. And she recommended Neighbours in Poplar, in St Matthias Church.
I started a one-year placement doing administration. The more I learned about the work that Neighbours in Poplar do, the more inspired I became. It meant I became totally committed to the organisation.
After ten years of being part of the team, I took over managing the Church – that’s fundraising, liaising with contractors, managing the maintenance and upkeep. In a nutshell my job is to make sure the doors are always open. And now I’ve been here for over 25 years now!
EECF and CEO Tracey Walsh certainly understand this community more than anyone else. I know that I can pick up the phone and they’ll be there for us.”
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