Daouda finds direction thanks to Accelerate support
"I feel more confident about finding a job thanks to the advice, support and training I was able to access through Accelerate into work.
Daouda King, an African American man aged 49, married with no dependents, moved from the USA to the Coventry and Warwickshire region in 2018 to be his wife.
Daouda was a teacher in the USA but in England could only find temporary job roles through agencies. He struggled to find a job in his field due to his qualifications not being valid in the UK and was also struggling to integrate within the community since his arrival in England.
He had been unemployed for 12 months when he joined Accelerate whom he heard about through a local radio station. He decided to get involved and immediately found engagement and the registration process to the project straightforward and relaxed.
As an Accelerate participant, Daouda was enrolled upon a radio training course with HillzFM, the station on which he first heard about Accelerate. After completing the course, he went on to become a radio presenter, hosting his own weekly radio show. Daouda has become a volunteer member of the station's steering group and was recently appointed as vice chair of the group.
Through the radio training, Daouda expanded his knowledge of all aspects of community radio and media including show content, interview skills and an understanding of requirements and guidance from Ofcom about the radio industry. As a result of his involvement in community radio, he has developed a professional network of contacts and access to further training opportunities.
If Daouda is able to continue each stage of the VRU Champion Volunteer training programme he will achieve IAG L3 (Information, Advice and Guidance) qualification which will excel his opportunities to secure sustainable employment.
"The mentoring and barrier breaking support received from my Journey Guide and the Accelerate project was very helpful to me." he said. "It especially helped me transition and meet new people after moving from the USA.
"I feel more confident about finding a job thanks to the advice, support and training I was able to access through Accelerate into work. I have gained more confidence and increased communication skills to continue to develop contacts and this whole experience has enabled me to develop a number of beautiful friendships and gain a deeper understanding of the British culture."
From the springboard of the Accelerate programme, Daouda will now continue in his volunteering roles and is looking forward to learning more and developing more new skills and support others in his community. He aims to complete all levels of the Community Champion Award by December 2021.
* The Accelerate project, funded by the European Social Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund, supported by Warwickshire County Council, is a partnership of local organisations run by Coventry and Warwickshire CDA who are a not-for-profit organisation providing a range of enterprise, employability and financial inclusion services. For more information, please visit www.accelerate.org.uk/