ICSS - Our Volunteers

Our Volunteers

Our volunteers include doctors, lawyers, engineers, students, business people, journalists, artists, teachers, consultants, and many more. Some of the volunteers tell you why they teach.

No teaching experience is needed. We train you up and guide you through.

"Inspirational!! There is no other word to describe the volunteers and the students. It is very rare to see such a strong focus on improving educational standards equally matched with a genuine desire to provide positive role models while encouraging engagement of young Muslims in civic society. I am proud I can be part of an organisation that is making a difference."

Faruk Kanamia (Trustee and Volunteer)

“When you see the low educational standard in Newham amongst Muslim children in particular, you can appreciate the importance of such a project. ICSS has a considerable impact on the children and the community around us.
I started as a volunteer, moved to become a year coordinator, a trustee and now the head teacher. I have learned new skills and worked with an amazing group of volunteers, children, parents and members of the local community. ICSS has proven to be a successful project and I would recommend anyone to get involved.”

Rahiella Ashraf (Head Teacher – Trustee and Volunteer)

“ICSS has proved to be a positive influence in attacking the lack of drive and ambition inherent in some of the younger generation. It is always a pleasure to be involved in an organisation such as this, which is clearly devoted to making a positive impact to the local community”
Arifa Ramtoola (Trustee and Volunteer)

" We are constantly reminded by report after report that children in the inner cities, deprived socio-economic backgrounds and especially those from ethnic backgrounds, are failing dismally in achieving academic standards. Newham is a borough typical of the educational imbalance seen. We can either sit on the sidelines wringing our hands and complaining, or actually be part of the solution. ICSS has provided a structure for people who feel passionately about this, and have allowed us to be part of the solution.

As volunteer teachers of ICSS, we are mostly from ethnic backgrounds ourselves, and have gone through the British educational system. We hail from diverse fields and have come together because we feel that from our own experiences, we can at least help to make a dent in this seemingly mammoth problem. We know the sorts of obstacles kids face, because we were once those kids. We know how easily children get left behind in lessons when you have a whole class of children to attend to. I certainly wish I had help like this when I was studying at my Comprehensive school (also in Newham), many years ago. "

Dinah Rahman (volunteer)

"We don’t realise but ICSS becomes part of ones life and it’s not easy to leave!"

Nazia Mahmood

"A very good project!"

Waleed

"Being part of ICSS has become part of life. It allows one to gain satisfaction from knowing that you are playing a positive role in improving the lives of others by increasing the education standards in the community"

Imran Mustak

"The dedication and commitment shown by the ICSS trustees and volunteers is inspiring and one reason why I decided to get more involved with this charity and seeing how the students benefit and experiencing their appreciation is why I continue to be involved."

Aabida Khan (Trustee and Volunteer)

"This has been my first ever community project and it has given me a chance to learn new skills and gain a lot more"

Mudassar Ahmed

"I can see the immediate impact our teaching has on the children. Even though I have never taught before it was very easy to get involved and make a difference"

Fayaz Patel

“I wanted to give something back to the next generation of children.”

Zafar Razaq (Volunteer)

"Teach your children by what you are, let their dreams follow you and beyond".

This is exactly why I look forward to my Sunday mornings at ICSS as I know that when I am there I am making a significant difference to our future generation. Whether a younger person through economic hardship or missed opportunities has failed to achieve his or her true potential in life to date, we at ICSS try and correct this early by support, education and enthusiasm from our aspirating professional volunteers.

“Making a simple change can change a life”

Siama Qadar (Trustee and Volunteer)

“I wanted to utilise my teaching experience towards a worthwhile project and ICSS has given me that opportunity. The children are doing well and the volunteers offer a vital role model for the children of Newham to aspire to. It is a rewarding and thoroughly enjoyable experience.”

Samina Rai – (Trustee and Volunteer)