Tottenham university student recognised for 'overcoming adversity'

Anthony Braganza has had to cope with challenges including homelessness and undiagnosed autism during his studies

A Tottenham student has been given an award for “overcoming adversity” after coping with challenges including homelessness and undiagnosed autism during his studies.

Anthony Braganza’s achievement were celebrated at the eighth-annual Student Social Mobility Awards, where he won the ‘Improving Social Mobility Award’.

With a reduction in available graduate roles, fierce competition for jobs, and the freeze on student loan repayment thresholds, many students have been left wondering whether university is still ‘worth it’.

But Anthony’s inspirational story shows that for many students, university still has the power to transform lives for the better.

University wasn’t always something Anthony planned on. When school transitioned online during the pandemic, he did not have a good study environment or any devices at home that he could use for learning. He was also living with undiagnosed autism and ADHD, and had no idea of the adjustments he needed in order to thrive at school.

Adding to his challenges, Anthony was also experiencing homelessness and estrangement from his family.

What changed for Anthony was receiving support from Depaul UK, a charity tackling youth homelessness in London. He has since become involved in the charity’s strategy and service provision.

Anthony explained: “I became a client representative, contributing my lived experience of estrangement and homelessness to help the organisation understand what housing support and belonging genuinely means for young people in those circumstances.”

He also started attending Rising Green Youth Club, which is run by Haringey Council.

Anthony said that this “provided a space where youth opportunities existed, where I could get involved in project work, connect with others and access the youth council that was based there”.

He now attends the London Interdisciplinary School, where he has just finished his first year studying interdisciplinary problems and methods – the first degree of its kind in the UK.

“Each term centres on a specific real-world problem, approached through theories and methods drawn simultaneously from across the arts, sciences and humanities, from anthropology and philosophy through to coding and data analysis,” Anthony said.

“I chose it because my mind has always worked across things rather than within any single subject, and this was the first degree I had encountered that was structured the same way.”

Based on his experiences, Anthony is passionate about improving life in Tottenham for other young people. He volunteers on the Mayor’s Fund for London Youth Board, where he has contributed to consultations and workshops on the issues that affect young people facing digital and socio-economic challenges.

Anthony has also volunteered with Haringey Youth Council, which offers a space for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) to have their voice heard in the local community.

Reflecting on his work, Anthony said: “All of it comes from the same place: knowing what it costs a young person when the system is not looking for them, and wanting to be someone who changes that.”

At the awards ceremony, Anthony was one of many undergraduate nominees from working class backgrounds who were recognised for their “grit and determination” to thrive at university. Now in their eighth year, this summer’s awards celebrated those who are now facing the most challenging job market in decades – and are still determined to come out on top.

Organised by the award-winning social mobility charity, UpReach, the awards recognise students who have excelled in their field and demonstrated great resilience, determination or initiative.

Charity boss Nick Bent said: “Talent is everywhere, but young people are often held back by things outside of their control. Now more than ever, it is imperative to uplift those who have worked tirelessly to succeed, and who are bringing new life to social mobility in the UK.”

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