Even though I am a Micro-Biology graduate, I was unable to find employment for 2 years and was feeling very helpless when I met a Radiant and Brighter team member in a café. I have learned so much from Radiant and Brighter and if it wasn’t for them, I would not have been able to achieve what I have with regard to becoming self-employed. I have managed to obtain useful contacts that will help me in the promotion of my business. I strongly believe, there is need for advisors who understand ethnic minority issues. Day to day personal challenges can make people lose hope. Working with someone who comes from the same background inspired me to keep going and I am grateful to them for encouraging me to follow my dream. My product is now ready to go to the shelves (Website link)

As a mentor within the R&B programme I have grown so much as a person in so many different levels.

I feel so humble in having a small part to play in these inspiring and talented individual lives.

There is so much we take for granted in our lives and they have all made me think differently about my outlook in work and in my own personal life.

The individuals have all been on a journey and so have I and it is one that will have a lasting effect on my life.

I was an assistant professor at a university in my country but found it hard in my new community. I came to Radiant and Brighter for an English language class. I now attend three classes and the information and guidance I receive have changed my life in many ways. I think differently and more positively about the situation am in and most of all I know my next step. The support has been very helpful especially as it helped me better focus on mine and my children’s future. I understand a lot more about the community I live in and how it works. I had been to many other organisations before, but coming to Radiant and Brighter, I found a home and made good friends. The information is not just academic, it is practical and classes are more than that, they are a family with close relations.

Young person from CEMVO “Young confident and Connected” leadership program
The character building workshop ran by Radiant and Brighter had a lasting impact on all of us, students, graduates, and even those among us that have successfully run social enterprises. We were taught the value of our time, how to really play to our strengths every day and break down our own personal barriers to achieve any goals. All of which I am sure anyone would agree, are excellent life lessons.

It has helped me integrate. My children have joined the choir and are very happy to sing and socialise with other children. I have got connections with powerful women and learnt how to apply for jobs and writing CV’s. I see job opportunities knocking on my door and I’m learning how to survive in the UK as an ethnic minority. I am building my confidence on a daily basis. I meet people with new ideas and I no longer look down on myself.

I have been able to find MYSELF again. I feel reborn. I have found my confidence. I have a reason to go on. I have seen how ladies in this group have benefitted. They have found jobs. Everybody is on a HIGH. Everybody is motivated. There seems to be no barriers now. I want other ladies to benefit from such a good organisation. It will change their lives too.

I can say that I have found happiness since coming in this group. I feel rejuvenated. I am empowered.

It’s been helpful for my son to play and meet other children. As for me, it’s been another stepping stone to meet new women, learn and I have been trained to advance my skills. It’s helped me to get a job so fast, quicker than I had planned or expected. It’s helped me to learn about great journeys of other women and continue my own.

The feeling of being stuck in one place where you see no hope or opportunities to grow as an individual is both emotionally and mentally killing.

Everyone opts for opportunity and success in life which is what I found in both Radiant and Brighter and Marks and Spencer.

It gave me hope and opportunity to grow and experience another side of what life is about in the UK compared to where I come from. It gave me great confidence to interact with people of Scotland whom I never thought I would. So I’m very grateful for this opportunity and I will never forget all the kindness I received from M&S.

Additionally, what I’ve learned from this experience is to always be determined, have confidence in yourself and that you can do all things if you try and are determined.

This program has been very beneficial for me. The people we work with are friendly and very helpful. The experience for working at a construction site has taught me so much about the industry in Scotland. Every day I discover something new onsite.
I did engineering in my country but things are very different here. The program has given me confidence and the experience I need to enable me to develop my existing skills and transfer them into a career of my choice. I met different contractors and worked with different people, giving me the experience I need to work on any site. When I came to Scotland, I tried to find work in construction, went to different companies and tried to get a CSCS card. I have waited for more than 2 years and tried to get work, had nearly given up hope, and was now working in security. This program has given me a starting point and I look forward to working in the area of my skill and have a proper career in Scotland.

I feel very good about this program. I qualified as a mechanical engineering in my country Egypt. I was a bit sceptical about the construction industry but had to try it as it was the nearest opportunity to my previous skills, considering I had given up on my career.
I searched for a very long time, nearly 3 years hoping to get work as a graduate in mechanical engineering but here in Glasgow they need someone with experience of at least 2 years which I didn’t have. Things are very different here from my own country. The employers demand experience so I was simply looking for an apprenticeship or training to lead to work when I got on to the Taylor Wimpey program with Radiant and Brighter.
Being on this program has completely changed my mindset about the construction industry. To use my skills and qualification. I got on the program when I was ready to change career, but the program has taught me so much and I actually don’t think I am doing a career shift. Construction is not very different from engineering, I am simply building on my skills and I am delighted to be on the course, doing something I love.