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The Kickstart Scheme
A LAW STUDENT WHO FOUND HER PLACEMENT IN THE KICKSTART SCHEME
By Raveena Hargun
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Annie Akofio-Sowah wason the Kickstarter scheme and she found out about Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality (Acre) through her work coach at the Jobcentre. She was a Community engagement assistant and worked closely with the Equality Coordinator (GeorgeMathew) to reduce hate in Reading. Annie’s placement was for 6months; she started on the1st of November 2021 and her last day with Acre wason 30th April 2022.
What did you do between finishing the course andgraduating?
After I completed my Bachelor of Laws degree atthe U niversity of Kent I started my postgraduate degree (LLM in legal Practice with LPC) at the University of Law in Reading.I worked alongside this.
What made you choose a law degree?
I chose to study law because I knew doing so wouldprovide me with the opportunity to follow my passion, which is to standin the gap for those individuals who are not aware of their legal rights.
How did you find the kickstart scheme?
I thoroughly enjoyed the Kickstart Scheme. I was given the opportunity to interview a few clients and refer them to organisations such as Citizens Advice and Launchpad. I enjoyed this because it allowed me to develop the interviewing skills that I acquired from my Master’s. Moreover, it helped me perfect my client care skills. I loved coordinating “Tea and Coffee morning” with my colleagues. This is because we played gamessuch as bingo and hangman and interactedwith people from all walks of life. I also enjoyed art therapy (thanks Chloe) and learning grounding techniques from our therapist James Momoh.
What’snext?
Firstly, I am looking forward to my master’sgraduation.
I aspire to be a solicitor-advocate who is specialised in employment law. I am currently looking for a training contract so that I continue to climb the legal ladder. Finally, Iwould like to thank all my managers and Raveena, Kasia, Paul, Seif and the rest of my colleagues. What a fantastic time it has been! It is not goodbye but see you later!
