Islington resident, 25 year old Daniel Sewagudde, or Dee as he is known, has landed his ‘dream’ job as a television presenter thanks to free courses offered by Islington’s on-line centres.<br><br>Dee joined up to Platform1, one of 20 on-line learning centres dotted around Islington, and took courses in digital video making and video for television.<br><br>The next round of free courses is about to start. They are designed around practical and interesting subjects, which in Dee’s case provided him with the essential experience and knowledge he needed to start his new career.<br><br>During the course Dee, who up until 1999 was studying in America, was required to work with other students to produce a short film for broadcasting on Sky Television’s community channel.<br><br>Every aspect of video production was taught including using a camera, working with light and sound, directing and editing.<br><br>“I also learned how to talk TV language,” said Dee. “I always wanted to do the entire media production but I didn’t have professional experience before.”<br><br>Dee approached television channels with his work and was offered a role as an editor for BEN television – the UK’s first multi-cultural and urban channel. He even has his own weekly half-hour show.<br><br>‘The Big Ben Show’ is a blend of education and entertainment. It features interviews with young people on the streets, covering topics like fashion and music, relationships and sexual health, and realising your dreams.<br><br>Dee said that he is a firm believer in education and encourages others like him to make the most of on-line learning centres to gain qualifications.<br><br>“Once you have an education you can go further. You just have to be dedicated and you can achieve something,” said Dee.<br><br>Islington Council’s Executive member for health and social care for adults, Councillor Meral Ece, said: “Dee’s success is not an isolated case but just one testament to the quality of both the courses and facilities offered for free in Islington.”<br><br>“As well as being easily accessible, the centres are all installed with the latest computers, interactive whiteboards, printers and broadband. Users are able to progress work from one site to another to continue their learning.”<br><br>Qualifications in information and communications technology as well as literacy and numeracy are also offered.<br><br>For further information on courses contact the council’s adult and community learning team on 020 7527 5782. Enrolments for new courses start in September.<br><br>ENDS
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009