The launch event was hosted by Kwame Kwel-Armah with Hazel Blears bringing together senior parliamentarians, the 20 REACH role models, community representatives and young people.
Speaking after the interview Mr Sewell said, 'Going before such a prestigious panel and being pitted against some well known TV and business personalities was nerve-racking to say the least. But despite my nerves, I was able to perform well on the day and was selected as one of the 20 nationally. I am currently involved in mentoring in south east London and I have seen first hand what can be achieved if young black men have positive role models who can help them stay involved in education, sport and other activities to further their development.'
REACH is being run by the Department for Communities and Local Government and since it was launched in the summer, over 250 applications were received from a diverse range of backgrounds and professions stretching from the armed services through to high flying CEOs, the entertainment industry and those working in the voluntary and community sectors and from every region across England. They ranged in age from late teens right through to those in retirement.
The creation of the first ever Black Boy's National Role Model programme is part of a package of measures put together to help raise the aspirations and attainment of young black men.
Aside from Karl Sewell, the role models come from a wide range of occupations and many different parts of the country. They include an army officer, a barrister, a TV weatherman, a fire fighter, a royal navy engineer, top business consultants and entrepreneurs, a teacher, a probation officer, accountants and finance experts, a civil servant and a TV presenter. |
