Spotlight on Safiya:
A Writer, Youth Worker and Big Dreamer

Thanks for taking the time to chat Safiya – tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hey there! I’m Safiya, a born and bred East Londoner of Caribbean descent. A writer, Youth Worker and big dreamer. I have a lot of passions, specifically theatre, film, music and women’s and human rights, always finding ways to combine them in the work I do!

We’ve been working with you since last year on a variety of projects. Can you think of any stand out moments?

There are so many! I definitely think The Triumph of Art was a turning point for me. It really kicked me into gear and gave me the courage to pursue work centred around the arts.

You regularly attend Third Space, our monthly meeting for local young creatives. Can you tell us what you get out of the sessions?

Community! It feels so great to share ideas with like-minded people. Sometimes when you’re finding your feet in the world of work, you can neglect your creative endeavours, but Third Space has allowed me to express myself in different ways and stay connected to my creative interests.

We always encourage residents we work with to take every opportunity they can lay their hands on, and you’ve been a great example of taking this idea and running with it. You recently took on volunteering work at Lea Bridge Library. Can you tell us how this has helped you and what you’ve got from the experience?

This really helped with my confidence and relationship building, which I have been able to take through to my other work. The library is a great place to learn some practical skills as well as meet different people. The staff are so supportive and will help you where they can in terms of career and confidence building.

There’s a lot of talk about young adults being ‘lazy’ or ‘disengaged’. What do you have to say to that, and what advice would you give to employers who may hold these opinions?

I don’t think young adults are lazy or disengaged. They are fed up and disenchanted with the system that has ultimately failed us. Due to the cost of living crisis, people are earning and still not able to afford to live. This is not an attractive incentive.

Young adults are so early in their careers they need a safety net to grow and learn. So the advice I’d give employers is: give young adults a chance, support them, teach them, and don’t punish them for not having experience if they haven’t been given any. They are, we are, the next generation and we have to start somewhere.

You’ve got three wishes; one for you, one for a friend, and one for the world. What are they and why?

Wish for me: To live out my wildest dreams of being a filmmaker and community builder.

Wish for a friend: Take that leap of faith and start living out your dreams and truth.

Wish for the world: End years of corruption and destruction. Lean into matriarchy!

You’ve recently got what you described to me as your dream job as Project Coordinator for the Student Commission on Racial Justice. Tell us a bit about the role and what are you excited about?

As a Project Coordinator, I will play a key role in supporting the delivery of the project at a student and college partner level, working closely with the Project Manager to ensure that Student Commission groups are well-supported, meetings are well-run, and participation is safe, inclusive and meaningful.

I’m excited about the opportunity to travel and meet new people and really develop my facilitation skills.

Ten-year-old Safiya is standing in front of you. The world at her feet. What do you want to say to her?

Never give up on your dreams. You’re not “Too Quiet” or “Silent Safiya”. You are finding your voice and you should be so proud of yourself. Even at 10 years old you are always trying new things and you will continue to do so. Never change!

Safiya, it’s been an absolute pleasure working with you for the past few months. Any words of wisdom for us here at Future Formed? Advice or observations very much welcome!

Say yes! But… you know yourself better than anyone else, so if something doesn’t feel right you can absolutely say no.

Pivoting is part of the journey and make lots of friends along the way. Being yourself and personable goes a long way. This is the best environment to try different things, so definitely take advantage of your time with Future Formed. All of the advisers are so supportive and helpful, so attend those meetings, get involved and shine like the creative being you are!