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Raihan Karim

Director & Project manager

My Name is Raihan and I am currently leading this exciting project. I am in my 3rd year at LSE studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics. I taught at a Saturday School for 2 years and spent an additional 3 years as Lead Project Manager of 'Unwind Summer School'.

Through these experiences, I taught, mentored and interacted with 100s of disadvantaged students from very differentbackgrounds. One thing was clear; everyone has unique hardships and experiences which prevent them from achieving their full potential. Not every social mobility program is suitable for everyone. A further problem my experiences highlighted was the vast difference in access to help across the UK. Some areas of the UK such as London have good During the Covid19 lockdown, a few of us got together and decided to establish The Legacy Project as a way to bridge this gap. We may not change the world, but information provision and mentorship can have the biggest positive impact on someone. Surprisingly, these two services are not easy to find.

When I'm not studying or doing work, I like learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, reading, and take a particular interest in Islamic Finance and its commercial applications today. I love meeting and speaking to new people so feel free to contact me.

Husain Rahman

Assistant project manager

My name is Husain Rahman, and I am in my final year of university studying Mathematics with Finance at QMUL.

Unfortunately, like many, I never had parents who went into further education or worked in major industries. Growing up with no mentor figures at home was difficult. I never truly understood how to navigate my way through school and work-life, which caused me to feel inferior to my peers. I can personally resonate with the TLP vision. It hopes to bridge this gap and provide disadvantaged students with excellent mentors who can relate to them and offer focused guidance.

What fascinates me is life experiences and the journey of struggle individuals face throughout their life. Also, imparting my own life experience to help others to understand how to navigate the same issues they may face. Thus led me to get involved and work with numerous youth projects and summer schools in my local area. Leading projects and also teaching students had created a burning passion for working with an organisation such as TLP.

Funny fact about me, despite being in the university library the whole day, I do all types of studying except my actual degree. Outside of academia, I love playing football, and I love spending time with family and friends.

Farzana Salik

Assistant project manager

I’m Farzana, a second-year Lawyer at Newnham College, University of Cambridge.

Growing up in a poverty-stricken area and witnessing the repercussions of socio-economic difficulties on unequal access to quality education, encouraged me to actively work towards improving social mobility.

From being mentored throughout my academic and personal development journey, to now partnering and volunteering as a mentor with institutions specializing in the legal, charity and religious sector, I recognize that socio-economic disadvantage continues to be a reoccurring driver of inequality, hindering access to and outcomes from higher education. Thus, by understanding what work is missing and needed from academic institutions, I aim to serve as a bridge that connects all students to opportunities they deserve, whilst also promoting a culture of perseverance, mental-resilience and a strong work ethic.

Rawaha Husam Al-Deen

General secretary

Rawaha here, a previous Biochemical engineering student at UCL and currently a Medical student at KCl. I look forward to seeing how TLP can bring about long term and sustainable change to mindsets and attitude towards higher education in the youth.

Going through the education system in East London and achieving well, meant that a lot of my success was due to my independent research, resilience and ambition. Whereas, the reality for others is that all the resources and help they need are at their doorsteps. The vision of this project is something I hold dear to me, as it aims to close the gap between the privileged and those who are not. Providing mentors who have come from the same communities can illustrate that one's circumstance does not limit one’s potential.

Going through the education system in East London, primarily meant that a lot of my success was due to my independent research, resilience and ambition. Whereas, the reality for others is that all the resources and help they need are at their doorsteps. The vision of this project is something I hold dear to me. It aims to close the gap between privileged and underprivileged students. By providing mentors from similar backgrounds, it can demonstrate that one's circumstance does not limit one’s potential.

Faiza Qureshi

Head of outreach

I am currently a Law Student at SOAS University, with aspirations to specialise in Property Law and have experience in both solicitors firms and barristers chambers. I firmly believe in the importance of an individual fulfilling his/her potential and purpose to bring about a greater good, and have always advocated this with the wish to inspire those around me. It brings me great pleasure to be a part of an initiative like The Legacy Project where we can collectively provide opportunities that enable young people to break socio-economic barriers and become the leaders of tomorrow.

Abdullah Raja

Head of development

My name is Abdullah and I’m a second year student at The LSE studying Politics and Economics.

Growing up, a lot of decisions that I took were only taken because of the role models in my life that guided me to where I am today, and its why I believe every young person should have a role model or mentor to guide them when they fall short. TLP is an opportunity for us as a community of students and professionals to share our knowledge and guide the youth of tomorrow.

I’ve previously worked with the youth taking part in various summer schools and project, leading in both elements of teaching and management.

If I’m not wasting my time at university, I’m usually at home playing games or spending time with friends. Feel free to drop me a message if you need to talk because I have plenty of time to waste (well I don’t but…..)

Rahat Uddin

Head of marketing & publicity

Going to school in Dagenham, East London I never really got much encouragement from my surroundings that kids like us could go on to be leaders in our fields. It became the norm for many children to leave education and go straight into work after secondary school. Going into my second year studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Cambridge, I’ve met many like-minded people who have come from the same background as me which demonstrates how, with the right mindset and support, there’s nothing to stop disadvantaged students from studying at the best institutions. The Legacy Project is an upcoming organisation which aims to instil an excellent mindset and work ethic in the next generation through seminars and workshops, and I feel honoured to have the chance to work with them.

Aaliyah Natha

Head of marketing & publicity

I have just completed my A-levels, hoping to study Earth and Planetary Science at university. I’ve always had high aspirations, but struggled to find the right guidance to reach my potential academically which is why I am so excited to be a part of an initiative that works towards creating more opportunities for youth from less privileged backgrounds. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for TLP.

Niyaz Ahmed

General Secretary

I’m Niyaz, currently on my 3rd and last year studying History at QMUL and hoping to start a PGCE in Secondary History when I graduate.
I have always been passionate about working in education and helping young people, working in numerous organisations for the last couple of years in numerous admin and mentoring roles in Tower Hamlets. From teaching at Saturday schools, to managing Summer Schools and a tuition centre, I have spoken and interacted with many teachers, parents, and students. I have seen a rich variety of challenges faced by families and students alike. However, one aspect I always recognised was the determination and a will to get the best education they could get. There was no question of their perseverance, but unfortunately there was no system in place to show them how to work through the different problems they faced.
By joining TLP, I hoped I could be a part in alleviating those challenges. The organisation has great potential, providing mentors from similar background to teach and nurture those who are going through the process they did. While the organisation has potential to do great, I always hope that the students we are helping can do greater.
On a less serious note, outside of university I love reading and playing football. I have a genuine passion for my subject, proven by my growing collection of History books which I have bought but yet to have read!