IVLP Alumni Launches a Youth Mentoring Program in Partnership with U.S Embassy in London

In 2017, Harris Bokhari and six other leaders from the U.K visited San Diego under the International Visitor Leadership Program to explore successful strategies and local initiatives to prevent violent extremism. During their visit, they met with federal, state, and local officials, community and faith leaders, and youth service providers to examine local efforts to counter violent extremism. We interviewed him and a fellow alum, Joshua Babarinde, during their visit. Watch the interview here.

The exchange of ideas and relationship they built in San Diego did not stop there. They continued to work with our U.S Embassy in London, and just this November, Harris Bokhari and the U.S Ambassador in the U.K, Woody Johnson, announced a partnership between the Mosaic Initiative at The Prince’s Trust and the US embassy to inspire young people from some of the most deprived areas to fulfill their potential.

Harris Bokhari, is a National Mosaic Board Member and IVLP alumni, he stressed the need for young people to have positive role models, and stated: “Positive aspirations are crucial for young people’s future success. Mosaic is proud to have the support of the IVLP alumni in helping us to inspire the next generation. Together, we can help even more young people to bridge the aspirations-attainment gap and empower them to achieve greatness.” Credit: esaterneye.biz

The partnership will see UK alumni of the International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) support the Mosaic Initiative’s aims to connect young people to positive relatable role models and mentors.

Learn more at: UK Alumni of the IVLP to launch youth mentoring program in partnership with U.S. Embassy.

Mr. Harris Bohkari, is a tax and financial advisor by profession. He has been honored with the Order of the British Empire for his work as an advocate for under-represented communities. Well-known to Britain’s political and religious leaders, he is the founder of several organizations that provide educational and cultural opportunities for underrepresented youth. The Naz Legacy Foundation, established by Mr. Bokhari to honor his father – also an interfaith leader – recently organized the first interfaith iftar at Lambeth Palace, which brought together the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Chief Rabbi, the Mayor of London, and over 100 youth leaders from each of London’s boroughs.

Mr. Joshua Babarinde is the CEO and founder of Cracked It, a social enterprise that trains at-risk youth to fix cracked iPhones as a positive alternative to a life of gangs, crime, and radicalization.  The organization teaches ethics, values and promotes the successful inclusion of at-risk youth in the wider society and economy. Mr. Babarinde has collaborated with iCracked, The Prince’s Trust, O2 Think Big, the Mayor of London’s Office for Policing and Crime, and the Metropolitan Police Service. He chairs the Stop and Search Monitoring Board for the borough of Tower Hamlets, and advises the UK government on the employment of ex-offenders. Mr. Babarinde is also a founding convener of More United, the United Kingdom’s first crowd-funded, cross-party platform championing tolerance and openness in domestic UK politics.

During their visit in 2017, Harris Bokhari and Josh Barbarinde, paid a visit to Kitchens for Good, enjoyed a meal, and an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the kitchen. (Pictured below)