Azi Azonga was recently interviewed by TheCelebrity.Online Magazine and below is the Q&A session we had with her.

Azi Azonga As Cover Story Interview – December 2023 Edition

How do you introduce yourself?

My name is Azi Azonga and as someone deeply passionate about guiding and mentoring young minds toward a positive future, I introduce myself as an advocate for the well-being and empowerment of children and young people. With a Master’s in Youth Justice, Community Safety, and Applied Criminology, my academic foundation underscores my dedication and expertise in this field.

My professional journey is marked by a commitment to positively impacting the lives of children through mentorship and guidance. Through extensive training and hands-on experience across diverse sectors, I’ve actively contributed to various London Youth Justice Services, local authorities, and educational institutions, including schools, pupil referral units, colleges, and universities.

My dedication to this mission has resulted in notable achievements and successful initiatives I’ve spearheaded. Transitioning my expertise to academia, I serve as an Associate Lecturer in Criminology, teaching the Youth Justice Module for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This multifaceted experience positions me as a seasoned professional deeply dedicated to advancing the well-being and prospects of children within the realm of youth justice.

Childhood to Adulthood – How was your transition from childhood to adulthood and what are the bad and good things you remember?

My journey from childhood to adulthood was marked by challenges and pivotal moments that shaped my path. Raised by a resilient single mother after my father’s departure when I was nine, I was faced with the void his absence left behind. This absence triggered a storm of confusion and anger, leading to disruptive behaviour in school and a turbulent phase in my life. However, during my college years, a compassionate teacher named Ade intervened and changed the course of my life.

Her mentorship and encouragement helped me realize the value of education and hard work. With her guidance, I successfully completed college and pursued further studies at university, defying the odds against me. Ade’s impact inspired my career in the youth justice service, where I witnessed firsthand the importance of positive role models. Reflecting on my journey, I founded an organisation, Moor Elite Project dedicated to providing mentorship and guidance to children facing similar challenges.

Struggle – What hardships have you gone through in life?

Growing up without a father figure was a defining hardship in my life. When my father left us at the age of nine, it created a profound void that triggered a tumultuous storm of confusion, anger, and unchecked emotions. This absence of paternal guidance led me toward a troubling path, marked by recklessness and poor decisions. My behaviour became disruptive, causing conflicts in school and resulting in frequent exclusions. I couldn’t fully grasp the reasons behind my actions then, but in hindsight, I realized that the deep-seated anger stemmed from the abandonment I experienced during my childhood.

What do people usually not know about you?

Amidst the professional realm and my work dedicated to supporting children and young people, there are a few lesser-known aspects about me. I find solace in the serene tunes of jazz and classical music; it’s a personal retreat that often surprises people given my professional focus. Beyond my passion for mentoring and advocacy, I harbour a deep affection for horses. My hidden aspiration is to eventually reside in the countryside, cherishing its tranquillity and slower pace. Looking ahead, a personal goal on the horizon is pursuing a PhD in the coming years, an endeavour that speaks to my commitment to continuous learning and growth.

What sets you apart from your competitors in the industry and in life?

What sets me apart from others in my field is my dedication to guiding and mentoring children and young people towards a positive path in life. Holding a Master’s in Youth Justice, Community Safety, and Applied Criminology underscores my academic expertise, which I have honed through extensive training and hands-on experience across diverse sectors.

My professional journey reflects a deep commitment to positively impacting the lives of children. Notable achievements and successful initiatives I’ve spearheaded demonstrate my unwavering dedication to this mission. Moreover, I bring my wealth of knowledge to academia as an Associate Lecturer in Criminology. In this role, I taught the Youth Justice Module, catering to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. This blend of practical experience, academic prowess, and a passion for guiding youth distinguishes me, allowing me to make a substantial and meaningful difference in the lives of those I mentor and the field I serve.

What are your upcoming major events?

At Moor Elite we are excited about the array of projects on the horizon. Our focus revolves around collaborating closely with educators, parents, and professionals to introduce our tailored services designed for individuals aged 8 to 21. Drawing from our extensive experience working with schools, colleges, and universities, we’ve crafted a transformative Mentoring service dedicated to providing personalised guidance. Our approach encompasses various facets, including impactful 1:1 sessions, engaging group workshops, home visits, and empowering assemblies. We deeply understand the challenges and uncertainties faced by children during their transition to adulthood, and our aim is to address these hurdles directly.

Our specialised mentorship service covers crucial topics such as Peer Association, Substance Misuse, Navigating The School-to-Prison Pipeline, Knife and Gang Crime Awareness, Fraud Awareness, Combating Bullying, Consent, and invaluable Career Guidance. Each session is meticulously planned to provide practical insights, enabling young minds to make informed decisions and nurturing a generation filled with confidence and resilience. Looking ahead, our upcoming major events involve rolling out these impactful mentorship programmes, collaborating intensively with educational institutions and community stakeholders, and fostering a supportive environment where every child’s growth and development are prioritized.

What expert advice would you like to give?

In supporting vulnerable children and their families, my expert advice centers on employing a tiered approach to intervention aimed at addressing underlying needs and vulnerabilities early on. This proactive strategy involves a blend of early and targeted prevention methods, with a primary objective of safeguarding children, promoting positive outcomes, and preventing their entry into the formal youth justice system. By prioritizing early intervention and targeted prevention, we can effectively address underlying issues, offer crucial support, and prevent situations from escalating. This approach not only aims to address immediate concerns but also focuses on empowering children, families, and communities to foster resilience and positive outcomes, steering them away from pathways that lead to formal justice systems.

Your social media handles and website links?

www.mooreliteprojectcic.com

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCXklDKyHvtxG3mYOtJ2hNkA

TikTok @mooreliteproject

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mooreliteproject