Tania Shaikh-McKenna – Operations Manager
Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Behavioural Science; MSc Health Psychology; DPW Level 3 Playwork
Date joined: August 2011
Your story: I started as a volunteer at the Attlee Adventure Playground in 1990. Over time I returned during school holidays to teach photography and assist in play sessions. In 1998 I applied to become the Centre Manager and to my shock I was offered the position. From then on I was privileged to be a part of the redevelopment of the site to what is now the AYCC. I left the organisation in 2008 and rejoined in 2011.
What are your hopeS for AYCC? My hope for the centre as it has always been is for it to be a thriving place for the whole community; full of exciting activities, fun and without worries of funding!
Shajeda Akhtar – Play Worker
QUALIFICATIONS: NVQ2 in playwork
DATE JOINED: 2001
MY STORY: I was introduced to AYCC by my husband, who was a member of the AYCC when he was a young child. I was a mother with two young toddlers and I used to take them along with me to AYCC to play and have fun.
I was approached and offered a voluntary position within the AYCC, which I accepted without any hesitation. I was then rewarded with paid work after a few weeks into my voluntary work.
My two toddlers have grown up and they are no longer toddlers, they are teenagers and they still come to AYCC to have fun and meet up with friends.
I work with a very supportive team and enjoy seeing young people have fun. I very much enjoy coming to work and love it when I put a smile in a young persons face.
What are your hopeS for AYCC? I will endeavour to promote an environment friendly learning experience through free play and varied activities that support the young people in a positive value-based manner.
I wish for continuation of AYCC progress in any form and I hope to be here for many years to come.