A news story

Celebrating Black History Month: honouring our past, inspiring our future.

Awareness days | 18 October 2024

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, we’re proud to share inspiring stories from our diverse team here at Get Set UK. Today, we’re shining a light on Adelaide Makaya, one of our Employment Advisors, who has opened up about her Angolan heritage and how it shapes her professional journey.

Adelaide’s story is a reminder of how cultural values and traditions can influence not only who we are but how we work, bringing passion and dedication to everything we do. Her commitment to helping individuals on their employment journey is driven by her own experiences and a deep sense of purpose.

Read Adelaide’s story below.

“As we celebrate Black History Month, I reflect on how my Angolan heritage has profoundly influenced both my personal and professional journey. In Angolan culture, family and community are central, with a deep respect for elders and a strong emphasis on communal support. These values are at the heart of my work as an Employment Advisor at Get Set UIK,  where I view people not just as participants, but as part of a larger community.

When I help a single mother find employment, I understand that my support extends beyond her – it inspires her children, creating a sense of ambition and possibility for future generations. My cultural pride, rooted in Angola’s rich history, music, food, and languages, has strengthened my resilience and ability to overcome challenges. I’ve drawn on this resilience in my own life, particularly when I was a stay-at-home mum striving to re-enter the workforce.

During that time, I pursued courses and volunteer roles to continue upskilling and ensure my CV stayed strong. This is a message I often share with my participants – that periods of unemployment can still be opportunities to learn, grow, and build connections.

My Angolan roots have instilled in me a deep sense of identity, collaboration, and loyalty, which guide how I build meaningful relationships and offer empathetic, practical support to those I serve.”

Adelaide Makaya, Employment Advisor at Get Set UK

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