#iwill The Advantage Group
1048. Alvin Owusu-Fordwuo
Alvin Owusu-Fordwuo, aged 20, from London, is the founder of ‘The Advantage Group’, a social enterprise that aims to raise the attainment and employability of students from diverse backgrounds.
The enterprise has supported over 500 students through young people mentorship schemes, skills development workshops, and entrepreneurial challenges to help them gain new knowledge and transferable skills. Alvin hosted a two day event at Google HQ where attendees from BAME backgrounds were invited to work with Google staff to come up with technology solutions to social challenges, such as a mental health app to help students and a coding course for homeless people. He also works with the educational charity ‘Debate Mate’ and has helped improve the communication skills of over 200 young people living in deprived areas.
Alvin has recently been selected as an #iwill Ambassador by the #iwill campaign, which seeks to make social action a part of life for all young people by 2020. The campaign’s annual #iwillWeek, this year 12-16th November, is an opportunity for the 900 cross-sector partners of the #iwill campaign to join together to celebrate the impact young people are having on communities across the UK, and to champion the voices of young people making a difference. Alvin was presented with his award at the #iwillWeek event held at Kew Gardens by Lord Gardiner.
Alvin with his award (photo credit: Barima Owusu Nyantekyi)
In a personal letter to Alvin, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“You have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to improving career opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds. Thanks to your leadership and tireless work founding ‘The Advantage Group’, young people can develop new skills that will help them to achieve their career goals.”
Charlotte Hill, CEO of ‘Step Up To Serve’, which coordinates the #iwill campaign, said:
“At the #iwill campaign we know that young people have the energy, ideas and drive to address issues in their community and to tackle many of society’s tougher challenges. We are so pleased to see the Prime Minister recognising the astounding achievements that Alvin has made through his volunteering, fundraising and campaigning, and hope this inspires Alvin and other young people to continue their fantastic work.”
Alvin said:
“I’ve never won an award before, so it’s crazy to think that the first award I’ve ever received has been awarded to me by the Prime Minister. I’ve had to sacrifice a lot to do the work I’ve done and the impact alone has made it worth it – but it feels very good to be rewarded for my sacrifices and I hope this will encourage other young people to start to make a positive impact across the UK.”