Zubeir began his volunteering journey with the Inspire Project. Despite the limitations caused by the pandemic, his enthusiasm to volunteer shone through. Once we were able to return to face-to-face sessions, in 2021, Zubeir’s positive and approachable nature allowed him to build bonds with the young people and he would delight and entertain them with magic and card tricks.
Reflecting on his own life, Zubeir recognised the positive impact adults can have on young people.
“When I was young, certain adults gave me the confidence to achieve,” he told us. “Having role models really changed my life. When I was younger a teacher had a chat with me and took time to listen. It was a ‘Sliding Doors’ moment and my life went in a totally different direction.”
Zubeir got to install his life experiences during Inspire Residentials. He helped to provide a fun-packed and engaging personal development programme by providing a First Aid Training workshop for the young people, volunteers, and staff.
Zubeir’s employment duties have intensified in recent years, but he has not stopped offering his support in the Inspire Project’s WhatsApp group. There, he is well-known for telling the odd ‘dad joke,’ or sharing his love for Leicester City Football Club and The Leicester Tigers. In 2023, he joined us for our Walking FOB-Ball business tournament, becoming our inaugural ‘Golden Gloves’ winner.
Zubeir explained his motivation to volunteer with young people:
“Family and friends are the most precious commodity you have. They enrich your life and make it bearable.”