By Chiaira Bowers, Manager at K1 Britannia Foundation
K1 Britannia Foundation’s Youth Transitional Program called the Work, Training, and Social Development (WTSD) Program is a comprehensive program that offers support to youth from vulnerable and challenging backgrounds, providing them with scholarships to pursue their GED [Tests of General Educational Development – Ed.] or attend NIPA [National Institute of Professional Advancement], as well as offering Work-Ready and Life-Skills Workshops, volunteer community projects, and mentorship from local community members.
We are spotlighting the journeys of our “Most Improved Participants” from the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 cohorts. These young men showed remarkable dedication to improving themselves but also demonstrated resilience through the challenges. Their recognition as “Most Improved Participants” is a reflection of the power of second chances, mentorship, and community support and the impact of giving young people the space and support to grow.
Zack Mars (19, GED), the 2023-2024 Most Improved Participant:
“This opportunity means so much, it means a brighter future for me.”
“What I learned through the ups and downs of my GED is that I always have to keep pushing myself. To always keep myself motivated. Some days I didn’t feel motivated, but I kept pushing. I told myself that I could do it. My mentality used to be that school wasn’t for me, that I didn’t need to finish. But then I told myself that I had an opportunity, that people were helping me, and I didn’t want to blow it. I wanted to be better than yesterday, better than the day before, last year, and the years before that. I told myself I had to improve and show myself that I could be great. I wasn’t proving it to anyone else – just to myself – that I could do it. I kept pushing and pushing until I got through. And I was happy. I felt lifted. And I told myself, I can do all things.
“I am very thankful to K1 for the opportunity they have given me. It helped me a lot, and I am happy that I achieved something in society. I’m working to better myself and to give back along the journey. But my focus isn’t really on where I’ve reached; it’s on the journey itself. The journey is more meaningful than what I will receive from it. It’s where I gain more wisdom, insights, and experience – and that’s what makes life interesting for me. I want to keep learning and knowing more about life.”
Jayquan Laurence (18, GED), the 2022-2023 Most Improved Participant
“It’s not about how many times you fail, it’s about how many chances you had to walk away but chose not to.”
“What I think I learned throughout most of this K1 Britannia journey is that no matter how difficult something may seem, you and your mindset is the only person that can stand in the way of something that you want.
“I am truly grateful that I was able to get this opportunity to do my GED. But it’s not just about the opportunity, it’s the people around me that allowed it to happen, and it’s the people that stuck with me throughout every single step. What kept me going the most, was the support of K1 Program Managers Chiaira and Josiah and my mother, of course. No matter what happened, they always believed in me. It even made me think for a moment, despite countless failures, the people around me still had faith in me. Eventually, in the end, I showed them that it wasn’t all in vain. That faith, along with the consistent work and effort, made me realise I had to do my part the same way they did.
“The program showed me that with enough consistency, anything is possible. It really changed my perspective as to where I want to be in life. Two years ago, I didn’t see the vision, but I can see it now. I have the capabilities academically to go to college and further my studies.
Never in a million years did I expect it to end up this way, but I’m grateful that it did. I’m just grateful for it, honestly, because I don’t think I would have gotten that opportunity anywhere else.”
Sharing their stories highlights the potential within every young person and shows that, with the right resources and encouragement, positive change is always within reach. We are immensely proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing the continued impact of their growth on their own lives and the wider community.
Pictured, from left: Jayquan Laurence and Zack Mars.
