“Interning at THEBP helped me realise why I want to work in education”

Our fantastic intern, Madison Mansour, spent seven weeks supporting THEBP as part of an exchange programme with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In this short blog, Madison reflects on her experiences, what she learned along the way, and why she wants to continue working in education.

Thanks for all your hard work, Madison!

“In March of 2019, I was given the opportunity to intern with Tower Hamlets Education Business Partnership. As an American living in London for a semester abroad, there were many interesting cultural differences to explore and experience, and the education system was no exception. Despite the differences between the US and UK education systems, however, I believe there is a common thread of inequality of opportunity and not all students have an awareness of the options that could be available to them to succeed.

                I had always known that my passion in life was to support people in any way I could, but it wasn’t until university that I became truly concerned by the desperate need for educational equality around the world and in my own community. As someone with a thirst for knowledge and love of learning, I find it troubling that not all students are provided the same education quality, resources, or experiences to prepare them for the rest of their lives. This is where Tower Hamlets Education Business Partnership comes in.

Tower Hamlets Education Business Partnership is an education charity that provides educational programs and employability skills workshops to disadvantaged students in the Tower Hamlets Borough of London. For me, as a student minoring in Education and Educational Services at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, this was the most fitting and rewarding placement I could have asked for. Not only did I learn more than I could have in a textbook about the UK education system or the structure of an education charity, I also gained hands on experience by assisting and participating in the programs and workshops that THEBP runs. From Head to Head, to Abacus, to the Numeracy Challenge, my days were filled with exciting and meaningful work that not only had a huge impact on me personally, but, I believe, also makes a tangible difference to the lives of the participating students.

Although I was an intern at THEBP for only 7 weeks, I have gained valuable knowledge and insight into the world of educational services and charities. This experience has opened my eyes to the issues that face young people today and ways that these issues can start to be alleviated. After this experience, I am increasingly excited to begin a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration and Counselling Psychology after graduation. Although I may not reside in London forever, I am confident that the knowledge and skills I have developed through this experience are universally applicable and will help me excel at anything in life. Thank you THEBP!