Stevenage Participants

Stevenage Take Part participants have been busy attending courses and taking part in activities designed to equip them with the skills and qualities they require to become empowered as members of their community. Here are profiles of some of Stevenage's Take Part members.

Washington Mhindu

“I have been a volunteer of several spheres and held positions in church, kids associations etc…As a continuation I am a volunteer locally with the Friendship Scheme-NHS in Stevenage and with Word International where I have been nominated to be a trustee. I have been asked to take up managerial posts as well as addressing people, so the Take Part trainings and the project in general will go a long way to assist me with my voluntary duties as well as my personal development.

I have already attended the Take Part communication course and the Take Part Charity law and Trustee roles workshop. They both have been quite handy so far, so I plan to attend some more courses and the other activities such as the visit of Stevenage Borough Council.”

Dina Mandalia

“I am a Hindu, however I was born and brought up in Uganda. I came to the UK in 1969.

First I was working as a secretary, and then I diversified and started teaching English as a foreign language and Anglo-Indian cookery. Then I started to do volunteering. In 2007 I was awarded an ambassador for Peace from the Universal Peace federation.

I am a volunteer with Stevenage World Forum, this is where I met the Take Part project worker and got involved.

I have already done some training with Take Part and I look forward to do many more things with this project. Maybe one day I could become a councillor and motivate and support a variety of people…”

Kenny Mashonganykia

"My name is Kenny and I joined the Take Part project because I want to get involved in what's happening in my community and have a say. If I cannot contribute my opinions and suggestions, then no-one will do it for me and I will have to do what other people have suggested to me.

The Take Part project is teaching me the skills to be a leader. I completed a course in Charity Law and Trustees and from that course I learnt what to expect from Trustees and their relationship with committees. All the courses lined up are exciting and very educational.

Take Part is the ONLY way to contribute!!"

Vivien Nsingo-Sangwa

"My name is Vivien Nsingo-Sangwa. I am a Lawyer and Journalist and I am currently writing my Master of Laws (LL.M) Dissertation.

I know that Take Part must mean different things to different people. For me Take Part is an opportunity for minorities, like myself, to have more control over what happens in our community.

I see it as an avenue to bring diverse cultural points of view to bear on local issues because this is one of the many ways that minorities can gain confidence in, have a say and develop their communities.

In a nutshell Take Part is important for me as an individual in that it has given me a sense of identity and has helped me overcome isolation. I am gaining confidence and skills through the courses it is offering."