The University of Westminster has celebrated completing the first year of a Quintin Hogg Trust-funded knowledge exchange project called Building Stronger Communities through Education and Knowledge Exchange on 3 June.
The collaborative initiative brought together undergraduate students from the School of Organisations, Economy and Society, the School of Finance and Accounting, local charity participants from the Marylebone Project and City of Westminster Council. The 2-year-long project aims to empower students and charity participants with essential skills, including proficiency in Excel, personal finance management, an understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and effective CV writing.
25 Westminster students completed the knowledge exchange programme and came together with the project team to celebrate their success over the year. Throughout the event the team reflected on what they had learnt and were awarded certificates for their achievements.
Throughout the year students completed a variety of courses including Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Microsoft Excel, as well as personal finance, AI, business, CV writing and LinkedIn. They then shared their knowledge with charity participants to spread the skills to others who can benefit from them. Through this development each student enhanced their employability and transferable skills, gained professional and personal growth and had the chance to network with their peers and industry professionals.
The programme was organised by Sobia Razzaq, Senior Lecturer in Law, Senior Lecturers in Finance and Accounting Dr Kumari Juddoo and Dr Sudha Mathew, Principal Lecturer in Finance Dr Sheeja Sivaprasad, and Knowledge Exchange Project Coordinator Sheena Patel who supported the students every step of the way.
On LinkedIn project participant and third-year International Business BA Honours student Layan Shakhshir said: "This journey has been incredibly beneficial, enhancing my skills and enabling me to contribute to the community. I'm excited to continue applying what I've learned and to keep growing professionally."
Finance and Business Management BA Honours student Abdeldjouad Chettibi also completed the Knowledge Exchange Programme and said on LinkedIn: “After completing the sessions, I had the privilege of being paired with a participant from the Marylebone Project. This allowed me to transfer my newly acquired skills and knowledge, fostering a mutually beneficial learning experience. A big thank you to Sheena Patel, Sobia Razzaq ,Dr Kumari Juddoo and the organising team for their support. This experience has been incredibly beneficial, enhancing my ability for further development in the future.”
On behalf of the project team Sobia Razzaq said: “This knowledge exchange programme has enabled both students and local charities to come together in a vibrant exchange of knowledge and skills facilitating a mutually enriching experience. We look forward to continuing this project to empower our communities through shared learning and collaboration."
This programme directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out about Business and Management and Finance and Accounting courses at the University of Westminster.
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