Tasting the ELBA Life: A Flavourful First Chapter
Tasting the ELBA Life: A Flavourful First Chapter
Written by Habiba and Tinashe, Challenge ELBA Project Managers
Hi, we’re Habiba and Tinashe! We recently joined ELBA’s Team Challenge along with David as Challenge’s new project managers. We’ve had an interesting first few weeks filled with lots of learning and meeting lovely ELBA team colleagues.
Habiba: I have recently rolled off of ELBA’s Eagles programme at NatWest’s ESG team. It was a busy and interesting experience in the corporate sector and now I hope to transfer those relationship building skills in Team Challenge. It’s my first time collaborating with community partners and I’ve really enjoyed starting to grow my perspective on the amount of goodwill and manual labour it takes to run a community.
An interesting first impression – at a Team Challenge check-in at Teesdale and Hollybush, I asked Margaret, our community leader, what are the charity’s next goals and how can ELBA support make Teesdale’s dreams come true? Margaret answered that there is concern around children’s lack of agricultural knowledge. A child even said the other day “I thought potatoes come washed in plastic bags”! Margaret said she would love it if Teesdale and Hollybush ran children’s sessions on ‘growing what you eat’. I am hoping through my new role in the Challenge Team we can support Teesdale and Hollybush with their potato adventures!
Tinashe: After two years of managing successful local and parliamentary campaigns for the Labour Party, I’m excited to start a new chapter with ELBA. My experience in politics, following my graduation from Anglia Ruskin University in 2022. Now, I’m eager to apply these skills in the charitable sector and make a meaningful impact.
In just a few weeks, I’ve been stunned by ELBA’s incredible work in employment, education, and community engagement. The warm welcome from everyone has made the transition special, and I’m gradually putting names to faces! I joined the team for a farewell lunch at a local Italian restaurant, where we shared stories and bonded. During South Asian Heritage Month, WELBA hosted a vibrant lunch on the terrace, offering a variety of South Asian cuisines and treats. It was a wonderful way to connect with colleagues and immerse myself in the rich culture of South Asia. It’s been an exciting, flavourful start, and I’m eager to make a difference in East London and beyond.
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