:: 4 July 2008
(Dip. Math, BA Hon, MA & MBA)
Much of Dissa’s life has been spent around educational institutions both studying and working. Following a Diploma in Mathematics, Dissa taught Mathematics in Government Secondary Schools in Sri Lanka for eight years. Later, after graduating with a BA (Hons) from the University of Sri Lanka, he taught English in Government secondary schools for a further four years before becoming a Lecturer of English at a University College in Sri Lanka.
Having moved to Scotland, he studied for an MA at Moray House Institute of Education. He was then appointed to the post of the Student Union Manager of Moray House Institute of Education. He worked there for seven years before entering the voluntary sector. During this period he attained an MBA from Napier University.
Dissa has been involved in the management activities of many organisations, gaining a wealth of experience in both people - oriented work and management.
These have included:
Skillnet Edinburgh; Minority Ethnic Learning Disabilities Initiative; James Gillespie's High School; Men and Health Development Group Scotland; The Lothian Interpreting and Translating Trust; Edinburgh Compact and Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC).
Wakako comes from Japan and it was there she received her education in Accountancy and Company Secretarial Management at a private college in Tokyo, gaining the Japanese Ministry of Education’s qualifications equivalent to the English BTEC HND in both cases. She began work as a Company Accountant and company secretary in Sony Corporation, followed by periods of work in fashion houses and architectural companies. Wakako was responsible for all financial systems, legal matters, general affairs, supervising assistants and in turn assisting the Company Presidents.
She arrived in London in 1997 “seeking life - broadening experiences”. She studied English before arriving in Edinburgh in 2000, where she gained the full European Computer Driving Licence and completed an English as a Second Language course.
Wakako’s first job in Edinburgh was with voluntary organisation, Skillnet Edinburgh as a Clerical Administrator. She enjoyed voluntary work with the Scottish Council forMinorities and as a mentor with LINKnet Mentoring, before being appointed Project Administrator in June 2007.
She recently gained an SQA certificates in “Frontline Guidance Work” delivered by Careers Scotland, Securing Funds from non-Government & non-Lottery Sources delivered by The Touchpoint Fundraising and in First Aid , delivered by 1st Aid People Trainers.
Nihat came to Scotland from Turkey where he graduated from the Technical University of Istanbul in 1993 with a BSc Degree in Surveying Engineering. He then worked for several companies in Turkey, whilst doing a Masters degree in Civil Engineering at the same University. In order to complete the Study of English part of the Master Degree, he came to the UK.
Here he continued his studies attaining a Postgraduate Diploma in IT – Computer Aided Engineering, from Napier University and going on at Napier to graduate with an MSc Degree in IT – Financial Services.
He has worked for several private sector companies, including: Compaq; Hewlett Packard; Kodak, and US Robotic. In the voluntary sector he has also worked at Black Ethnic Minorities Infrastructure in Scotland as well as running his own consultancy business called “Kaya IT Consultancy”.
He recently played one of the main characters in a feature film called “Trouble Sleeping” that was made in Scotland.
Originally from London, Deborah studied Politics and Economic and Social History at Leicester University. After graduating she spent two years as a recruitment consultant with a high street agency, recruiting for office, industrial and driving vacancies.
Deborah moved to Edinburgh in 2003 to study at Napier University, and was awarded a Post Graduate Diploma and Qualification in Careers Guidance the following year. Since then she has provided one-to-one employability guidance and support to people from Black and Minority Ethnic communities, as well as to people who have been affected by homelessness and addictions.
Deborah became a LINKnet mentor in June 2007 and joined the staff team as the full time Out-Reach Mentor Development Worker on 1st October.
