Question: Why only London schools. for your prize. even if you grew up there. there are other struggling schools. dont you agree?

Usaid Rauf answered on 19 Mar 2012:

Thanks for posting this question offline florence. I was typing out an answer to this in the Live Chat earlier today but I ran out of time to send my message.

Before I answer your question, please hear me out with the following: I didn’t enter I’m an Engineer for the prize (I didn’t know it existed until I filled the application form). I entered because I wanted to answer the questions you have. I’m typing this right now because I want you to be inspired by engineering – the subject – not me. I want you to see engineering like I see it. What matters to me most is your opinion of this subject that is awesome.

In a nutshell, yes I agree with you and you’re right about struggling schools in other parts of the country – not just London. The problem is I don’t know how far my prize will go, and whether I can make something national of it. Maybe it can be national, for all schools. However, I would rather start off small and make a success of that first, so I chose London because it’s easier for me to help out (since I live and work there). If all goes well, I might spread to a regional, then maybe national prize. Growing up, I’ve learnt that “change starts at home”. So, I will try to change my home first and try to make it an example for the country.