Major Works investment programme supports L&Q resident's educational journey

L&Q resident and student, Najma Farrah

In 2023 we relaunched our Turlogh O’Brien Scholarship programme. Named after a former L&Q chairman, the programme gives young people in financially excluded households an accessible route into higher education. It is open to L&Q residents living in social or affordable rented homes who want to study for an undergraduate degree.

The programme is designed with the belief that everyone deserves the same chances in life, no matter what their background is or where they live.

As a delivery partner on our Major Works Investment Programme, Equans is providing £18,000 over three years to support one young student, Najma Farrah directly. She lives with her family in an L&Q home in Poplar.

With the first year of studies completed, and year two of her course now in full swing, Equans’ Social Value Manager, Karen Field, met Najma on campus to find out how she was getting along in her course and to hear about how the funding is benefiting her.

How did you hear about the scholarship programme?

I found out through my Sixth Form. L&Q had emailed local colleges with the information and, when my tutor told us all about it, I thought ‘I’m an L&Q resident and this would really help me’ so I decided to apply.

Tell us about the course that you’re doing

Well, when I initially applied for the funding, I intended to study dentistry. However, I reconsidered this because I knew I wanted to do something science-based, but also something which would be transferrable to lots of fields of work, rather than as specific as dentistry. So, I’m studying Biology. L&Q was really understanding of this.

How are you finding it so far? Do you have any ideas about what careers you’d be interested in pursuing?

I’m really enjoying the course and finding it so interesting. It’s also really broad in what you learn, with the option to tap into what interests you more in the second year. My school has advisors to support you, and I really like my tutor.

I’ve also started a Student Ambassador role where I help run events for the university, give campus tours, do talks to new students etc. and I’m really enjoying doing that.

I was recently speaking with my manager, and she mentioned researching roles in medical communications and I’ve started looking into that. I’m hoping to do some shadowing or an internship with someone my manager knows.

On top of that, I’m a Course Representative too and use this to liaise with the tutors and support fellow students doing the same course.

How did your year one exams go?

Some were more difficult than others. I was lucky in that it was mainly multiple-choice questions, but some were still challenging. I’m pleased with the results I got though.

One thing I learned to do was give myself time and space, and this really helped with the coursework.

Obviously, £6,000 per year is useful to anyone but what exactly has it meant to you to have this funding?

The course fees in total are just over £9,000 per year so having two-thirds of that covered is amazing. I have a large, and really supportive family - including older siblings - who help with the additional costs. I’m very lucky.

I’m a Muslim and, although allowances may be made (for things like furthering your education) if no other options are available, it’s not ideal in my religion to borrow money where interest is chargeable. Securing this scholarship, sponsored by Equans, has meant that the remaining fees are manageable for my family to support me. They might not have been otherwise, so it’s really appreciated. Genuinely, it’s been so helpful and has made me so happy.

Alongside the funding, students receive bespoke mentoring support including regular one-to-one meetings and the opportunity for personal development. Karen regularly catches up with Najma to offer this support and has seen her grow in confidence during this time.

Matt Corbett, Director of the L&Q Foundation, which oversees the social value created by L&Q’s supply chain, said:

“I’m so pleased that Najma enjoyed the first year of her course and is settling into her studies for the second year. Well done to her and all 29 students who’ve benefited from our scholarship programme.

Najma’s experience embodies what the programme is all about – creating opportunities for those who might otherwise find that the door to further and higher education is closed to them. I look forward to hearing about her educational journey and appreciate the role that Equans has played in supporting Najma in her quest to fulfil her career ambitions.”