I first set out , we achieved a day programme to give young people a chance to see what a university looked like . I am really pleased that we now have a residential opportunity to embed the life changing experience that they will have .’
This year , three occupational therapy students became ambassadors for the UJIMA project in July . They are of African and Caribbean heritage and here are their testimonies .
You can ’ t be what you can ’ t see
Jacob Dwan is 20 years old and a Year 3 , BSc Occupational Therapy student from Manchester . He says : ‘ The UJIMA project provided me with an invaluable experience to give back to my community . It also provided me with an opportunity to support a group of young men of African and Caribbean heritage and to encourage them to participate and see the positive benefits of education ’.
‘ My occupational therapy training allowed me to engage with this cohort and learn what education pathway interested them and I tried to facilitate them to begin their journey towards their ultimate goal ’.
‘ As Marian Wright Edelman , an American activist said , “ You can ’ t be what you can ’ t see ” and this project achieves that !’
A powerful experience
Luis Palmer , a 29-year-old Year 3 , BSc Occupational Therapy student from Sheffield , says : ‘ Being an ambassador alongside the UJIMA 2023 boys was a powerful experience for me personally . As an occupational therapy student , I utilised skills acquired while studying to facilitate their experience in a way most enjoyable for them .
‘ While engaging with everyone at some point during the residential , I noticed the changes in attitude towards having a university education , as well as the potential many of them had in several activities provided by Leeds Beckett staff ’.
‘ Overall , the project itself gives these young boys a better understanding of what options are available to them after school years and what they would need to be accepted onto a course at a university level .’
The sky ’ s the limit , no matter where you are from
Charmaine Tinarwo , a 19-year-old Year 2 , BSc Occupational Therapy student from Nottingham says : ‘ UJIMA allowed me to use my experiences as an opportunity to provide wisdom , advice and support . On several occasions they asked : “ Why do you study occupational therapy ?” Responding
to this question helped me to realise that I am pursuing this degree to specialise in a career that will allow me to support , uplift and advocate for others regardless of circumstances . I hope I was able to pass on the message that the sky is the limit , no matter where they are from .’
Race equality initiatives
Following the death of US citizen George Floyd by a policeman in 2020 , civic society in the US , UK and across the globe protested about the unjust and disproportionate killings of African and Caribbean people in police custody returned to the spotlight .
Corporate organisations including universities began to address race inequity . Through stakeholder engagement events they have learned about the conspicuous absence of African and Caribbean people within senior positions .
Leeds Beckett University ’ s Race Forum makes contributions to policy formulation and is undertaking important work towards the Athena Swan – Race Equality Charter .
The main principle of this charter mark allows applicants to self-reflect on progress towards delivering programmes of education that embed practices of anti-racism as a fundamental thread of good practice ( Advance HE 2020 ).
Take home messages
All services providers , including universities , NHS trusts and local councils who employ occupational therapists have to be willing to listen to all stakeholders and provide actions who support and address their concerns .
The city of Leeds has a track record of demonstrating stakeholder collaboration
Above left to right : Charmaine Tinarwo , Marina Active , Dr Blaine Robin and Luis Palmer
October 2023 OTnews 29