YouthPhoria UK© The Premier Role Model Edition November 2013 | Page 39

Morvialee Omoyinmi is a young mum who feels that the portrayal of women who have had children at a
young age is an unfair and negative one, and that more focus should be put upon the positive contributions
that they make.

“I feel that the representation of girls who have had children quite young is that they are useless, living
on benefits and not wanting to go out to work. I’d really like to see credit given where it is due. That those
of us who have pursued our dreams and are bringing up our children should not be negatively stereotyped.” sighs Morvialee. “Most of the time, when I tell people I have a child they automatically
think I am lying because I have graduated from university, working and studying towards professional
accountancy qualifications.”
Not a bad start, given that Morvialee is only 22 and has achieved so much already, not forgetting the full
time role as a mother to her baby son. So what has inspired Morvialee to be so determined and hard
working?

“I have always looked up to my mum who I believe has demonstrated how a strong woman should be.
She has taught me how to be a wonderful mother and an excellent caregiver to my child. I don’t know
how I would have coped if my mother had not shown me an example of how to be a great parent, which
she still does to this day. I think it is very important to have a role model who sets good examples to
others. If a person can identify with someone who is successful, that person will want to better themselves and achieve their goals because they’ve got real life evidence that it can be done. Having a
society with people who are progressing is always a good thing!” smiles Morvialee.
We asked Morvialee what she might say to encourage other young parents? “I’d say never ever give up. Stay focused on your goals, and learn not to
dwell on things for too long. Everything that we experience in life is to prepare us for the future, so any knock back or good experiences that you may
encounter, take it on the chin and learn at least one thing from that experience.” YouthPhoriaUK© think that those are very wise words from someone
who has been able to take her own advice and build a bright future for herself and her family.

Morvialee Omoyinmi

Princess Walker-Roberts
Princess Walker-Roberts has dedicated her life to helping young people. Her own daughter was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, and was an active
gang member up until 2010. Throughout some very painful times, Princess never gave up on her daughter and now mentors other girls who find
themselves in challenging situations.

“There are many young people who do not have supportive parents or parents that are mentally strong enough to deal with the issues that children
face nowadays.”Princess explained, “It may be that they do not have the knowledge or communication skills to support their child or they just don’t
understand what is going on”.
Through her mentoring, she hopes to fill this void and help parents, as well as young people
develop the skills and understanding needed to deal with the pressures and situations that
may confront them. Princess laughs and says “It’s funny, because now I have to thank my
daughter for putting me in this position! It’s because of what I had to face with her illness and
her involvement with gangs that has inspired me, and given me the experience and abilities
to now be able to help others. I feel like I have found my purpose in life.”
The eldest of five siblings and also a grandmother, Princess has a multitude of titles under
her belt. Along with being a mentor and Behavioural Consultant, she has also been a
registered door supervisor for over 16 years and a gym instructor for 5 years. In addition,
she is a public speaker and gives talks on various topics such as sexual exploitation of
females, girls in gangs, teenage pregnancy, domestic violence and coping with cancer.
Having recently won the title of ‘Volunteer Of The Year 2013’ for the borough of
Croydon, we think that Princess definitely deserves a crown!

YouthPhoriaUK

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