Testimonies

Our Alumni Testimonies 

I started work at WYK in February 2022 as an admin manager and human rights teacher. Since then, I have received a free TEFL qualification, allowing me to teach English anywhere in the world., expanding my career opportunities. I learnt in great detail, information on SDGs and I used this knowledge to create adaptable lesson plans for children. The admin role allowed me to gain crucial organisational and leadership skills, organising department meetings and drafted transcripts to keep communication level high for remote working. I led group presentations which built my confidence and had the opportunity to partake in animation work which was a first-time experience for me; enhancing my research skills and encouraged me to think creatively. I have completed many educational courses throughout my time at WYK. This included training on Microsoft Excel/Word/ PowerPoint. The teaching training provided by one of the directors was an active learning experience and the participation aspects were very engaging. The flexible working hours were a fantastic perk of the job as I was able to balance my job with my university studies. WYK also offered holidays for celebrations such as Eid which was an inclusive gesture. My placement is coming to a bittersweet end in August however, I will take the skills and work experience with me to my next role. 

Rosie Rathbone

Working for WYK has been a great experience, though I have previous knowledge of human rights, this experience has taught me about what sustainable development goals (SDG’s) are and how they link to human rights. Working within the policy team, I had the opportunity to develop new policies and review existing policies for the organization. This has increased my knowledge on current legislation and I believe will help me to progress further in my legal career. Communicating with members across the board, proved beneficial as support was provided by myself and my colleagues.
Rebecca Park
Kickstart Memberships
and Partnerships Officer
During my time at WYK I was able to work independently and meet deadlines. I had the opportunity to draft membership agreements and tasks such as this allowed me to work on my own initiative, without detailed directions. I gained a deeper understanding of the work undertaken by the U.N and how it continues to support in regards to human rights. I also learnt about SDGs and their future impact, helping societies to become more conscious and sustainable. The skills I have gained throughout my time at WYK will help me to become a better performer and researcher when I begin university in September.

Danial Ahmad

Kickstart Memberships 

and Partnerships Officer

Whilst working at WYK I had the opportunity to gain a TEFL certificate which gives me access to teach anywhere in the world. I also received internal safeguarding training with an external level 2 course. I created lesson plans for ages 6 yrs and older. Working on plans for the UN SGDs meant I had a plan to follow through and links to understand Human Rights with a more in depth approach than before starting this position. Being able to focus on certain SDGs meant I was able to create interesting lessons. I was able to lead a group and provide support to others in meetings. With the remote position I have been able to work according to my time and received support with time off.

Brittany Parker

I didn’t have knowledge of human rights or teaching before working for WYK. They gave me the opportunity to study and train online at my own pace. Courses included an introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals, a teaching course for non-profit educators, as well as a TEFL that has opened doors to working abroad. I learnt how to manage a small team as Team Leader in the teaching department and develop my organisation and interpersonal skills. Much of my time has been spent planning lessons for individual age groups (Age 6 onwards). Creating informative and engaging content that can be taught remotely or face-to-face. This has required research into global issues, including poverty, gender equality, and exploitation with the aim of delivering accurate information both empathetically and respectfully. Conducting research and liaising with fellow teachers remotely allowed me to become familiar with popular online tools including Teams and Google Drive.

Tobias Foster

Kickstart Human Rights 

Education Teacher

I am a recent Law graduate eager to further my legal knowledge. As an advocate for the principle that everyone has the right to justice, WYK provides the opportunity to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate. WYK has taught me to engage in new themes involving international human rights legislation. I learnt how SDGs and human rights are intertwined and how they may be used to help communities in war-torn countries. I saw first-hand how WYK supports Palestinians to pursue their aspirations, particularly young people who have lost hope as a result of war. Being mentored by WYK directors who are UN and legal human rights professionals has broadened my abilities as a content writer and policy drafter, which has aided my ambition of working in the legal business by offering a stepping-stone.

Hasin Hafiz

Kickstart Content Writer 

and Social Media Officer

Since starting my Kickstarter role at WYK Empower, I have a better understanding on human rights and my rights and entitlements. Thanks to the provided learning course on the UN-SDGs, I now know what the SDGs are and how Human rights links to them. Since completing the course, it has allowed me to think about how I can play my part to reach the UN-SDGs, helping our planet. Regarding my own development, I gained access to useful recourses to help improve my skills and my employability as a result. I found SkillShare to be very beneficial (using their 2 months free trial) in which I have taken many courses on animation, Adobe After Effects and Adobe Illustrator (a software I’ve always been keen to use). I’ve learnt to create a variety of different styles, effects and methods. Undertaking a variety of courses and developing my skills, has given me the opportunity to develop my portfolio and boost my network through the use of social media. Thanks to WYK, a learning plan was made for me on ‘nonprofitready’- a list of useful courses and learning videos that are approved and recommended by professionals, made accessible to me. I plan to continue to use the resources WYK provides in order to develop as an aspiring Animator/Motion Designer. To conclude, I feel I have developed in communication, teamworking and multitasking. All vital and transferable skills I can use in my future career.

Jordan Waterman

Kickstart Animations Developer
Working for WYK I was given opportunities for teacher training, with professionals on hand to offer guidance and support. I learnt about young people, learning techniques and lesson planning. As this was conduced collectively, I also learnt from my peers. I had the opportunity to learn TEFL and other SDG courses which are invaluable for future career prospects. The feedback I received throughout also enabled me to improve my skills and lesson planning techniques. I had some prior knowledge on human rights, however working for WYK allowed me to research further while discovering new ways to understand and explain the information I had absorbed. As a result I was better able to support my peers when guidance was needed. I was given the opportunity to work as team leader, improving my organisation, leadership and communication skills. I enjoyed acting as a guide to others and found I felt comfortable in a role that allowed me to take responsibility in assisting my peers.I have always aimed to make a difference in the world and my progressive understanding of human rights is allowing me to take those first steps. I have gained various new skills and made some amazing friends while working for WYK.

Maliha Maliks

This traineeship has allowed me to develop a deeper understanding on human rights through the helpful resources provided. I was also trained in non profit accounting and how it differs from others fields. I was given the opportunity to take online courses pertaining to this to increase my knowledge on accounting and non-profit organisations. Many of the skills I have gained will assist me in future roles. Jamila and Saman supported and guided me throughout my time at WYK. As a result I felt better equipped to deal with the task at hand. I was also supported by Noor who is an accountant in London, and he was able to guide me through Excel, helping me with formulas, how to record various documents, Invoices, budgeting tasks and cashflow forecast. As the traineeship was remote, I was able to be more productive with my work. The benefit of working from home included organising my day according to the workload while allowing me to continue with my daily routine of attending the mosque etc. This opportunity has proved to be perfect for young people looking for valuable work experience. This traineeship will help to build your CV if you decide to develop further in your field. Support is always provided at WKE and I would recommend the traineeship to all young people.

Muhammad Abdullah

I have gained invaluable skills throughout my time at WYK. During my Human Rights training, I solidified my knowledge of human rights provisions and scripted a video on explaining the right to education, which gave me an in depth understanding and the ability to communicate human rights in an effective and concise way to empower children. I have enjoyed learning about fundraising and completing grant applications; particularly learning about the innovative ways to fundraise online. I have expanded my legal skills through drafting policies such as the organisation’s disability policy and ensuring all details are correct. Additionally, interacting with a passionate team during meetings has given me the confidence and inspiration to continue human rights work, and has emphasised to me the importance of grassroots organisations such as WYK in creating change, as a collective of both enthusiastic and educated individuals is needed to propel action.

Sheena Shah

During my time at WYK, I have managed to develop administrational, teamwork and presenting skills. The opportunity to work as a teacher furthered my understanding on learning plans, presentations, and lesson structures. My Health & Safety role also allowed me to gain skills in writing policies, risk assessments, and identifying hazards. There have been many positive benefits such as, having access to a number of courses like TEFL and the non-profit programme which helps me to pursue further career opportunities. My deepened understanding of human rights and how the environmental/political behaviour and structure affect the lives of children around the world, has changed my view on life, by realising that there is more we can do to contribute whether it’s through volunteering, donating or fundraising.

Anna Hidri

Health & Safety Officer 

and Human Rights Teacher
Throughout my placement at WYK, I developed skills in planning, creating materials through PowerPoints and learning about SDGs and how they are linked to HR. The knowledge I gained I applied to my lesson plans. I was provided with training and courses such as Safeguarding, Health and Safety and Teaching English as a Foreign Language. A number of the certificates achieved are CPD accredited.

Grayson Parker

Kickstart Human Rights 

Education Teacher

I began Animation Training in various aspects to build my skills at WYKEI. Prior to my time at WYK I didn't know that UN-SDGs were linked to Human Rights. Learning about Human Rights has changed my life and improved my relationships with people across the board. I’ve increased my knowledge on the right of life and liberty, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work  and education. I have gained numerous skills such as communication, problem solving, planning, time management, designing/ creating, decision-making and lastly trust. The free training offered by WYK has been invaluable. Accessing the platform Non Profit Ready Organisation will allow me to continue my learning and achieve my personal goals to aide in my future development. Having the opportunity to support my peers and vice versa, has helped a great deal as I was able to get the feedback required. I have met amazing people on this journey, the staff are kind and respectful. I have gained further skills in creativity, cooperation, communicating with empathy, being innovative, taking risks and being open minded. 

Makedah Edwards

Kickstart Animations 

Developer

It has been a pleasure working for WYK Empower. I feel I have gained new skills at  WYK such as raising funds for a Non-Profit, editing financial policies and other financial tasks. It has also been beneficial working from home, as I have learnt how to work effectively in these circumstances which will aid me in my future role. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed fundraising for WYK and getting to know new people amongst the team. With the knowledge and experience gained at WYK; I have been fortunate enough to obtain the career I hoped for, a permanent position at an accountancy firm. Thank you to WYK for everything I have learnt. I will never forget my experience.

Mohammad Ibrahim Islam

Kickstart Fundraising 

& Partnerships Officer

Working at WYK I was given access to training courses online for Human Rights, Health & Safety, Safeguarding and Equality. I learnt a great deal through these courses and expanded my overall knowledge of Human Rights. I was also fortunate enough to receive support from education companies like IC training to receive employment advice and WYK provided me with teacher training. Throughout my time at WYK, I enjoyed working alongside my team, creating lesson plans, presentations and slideshows for learners.

Esther Adenuga

Working at WYK, I was given access to online training opportunities on Health & Safety and Safeguarding - I enjoyed the learning experience and can apply the information I gained to my future roles. Some certificates are also CPD accredited, so they are extra helpful in that regard. I was able to experiment with lesson plans and presentation, working alongside my team. We were trained to create lesson plans for the curriculum regarding Human Rights based on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. I l developed my understanding of Human Rights legislation over time and how to teach it to a variety of age groups from various social backgrounds.

Francesca Clabon