Mustafa Sarghini
Mustafa Sarghini was a student enrolled on the construction course at Kensington and Chelsea College when he joined the Worksmart Programme. He was older than most of the other students but shared in common with them the fact he was an ex-offender. However, he quickly gained the respect of his peers and was often able to provide some guidance to them, particularly those from his own community, when they were facing difficulties.
Mustafa had challenges to contend with. He was dyslexic, and with his criminal record, finding employment was a challenge. But when the opportunity arose for a peer mentoring role through Worksmart, he was a natural choice to consider. Support was given to Mustafa to complete the application form and he had attended the Interview Techniques workshop earlier in his course. He also participated in ALS at the college. The Worksmart Employment and Skills Training Programme is a personalised programme of support for people with a disability, learning difficulty or limiting health condition. Participants are supported in making an informed career choice and receive help to find and keep the job they want.
Mustafa was successful in his application for the Peer mentoring role and entered into his role with great enthusiasm. Almost immediately he put the college in touch with a local community centre that, before their grand opening, required some help to decorate their premises. Thanks to Mustafa, Kensington and Chelsea College was able to arrange for some of the college Painting and Decorating students to gain valuable experience on a real project.
