Barking model Nana Afua Antwi

Nana Afua Antwi, of Heathway, Dagenham, 24, is a top model, community volunteer with young people, has her own clothing line and is setting up a charity for struggling young single women in Africa in memory of her mother

I started working with the charity Seedtime Projects in Parsloes Avenue, Dagenham, nearly two years ago doing ­outreach work with young people in Barking and Dagenham.

The organisation supports teenagers and adults in finding skills and making the best out of their talent.

I was promoted to outreach supervisor on the NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) targeting youths ­between the ages of 16-19.

The project was challenging as most of the youths are quite difficult to approach but with passion and drive I registered more than 50 youths in the ­borough within a month. That led to my new role in charge of all outreach youth work.

The training is business ­enterprise which includes media, acting, ­construction, singing, beauty therapy and fashion.

I was so pleased when one of the youths I worked with, Shontelle Wallace, called me and said “thank you Nana, I can’t believe I’ve got a certificate to secure me work while I wait to go college”.

It made a big difference to achieve something, and that makes me and our organisation so proud.

This reminded me it was about time I also caught up with my dreams.

Last year, after graduating from college studying a foundation degree in art and ­design, I decided to give my ­modelling career one more shot and competed for Top Model of Colour UK.

Last year’s entry had more than 3,000 applicants which was shortlisted to a final 60 and then 17 female models for the grand finale in November.

It was such an amazing experience and an extraordinary dream come true to win.

It has opened doors to work with people in the modelling industry and I have been to prestigious events in the UK incuding the Bafta awards.

My family, especially my dad, is so happy for me and has been very supportive. It‘s amazing that I’ve been recognised in places lately, and even within my own community.

I recently launched my clothing line Adopted Culture which is going very well, which I will be showcasing at the Afro Hair and Beauty show in ­Islington on May 29.

I am also working on a charity – Akosua Ode Foundation –named after my late mother to aid young single women and mothers living harsh lives in rural parts of Ghana and ­Africa. This experience has been life changing – for me, the ­organisation I work with and for the youths, as they’ve been very proud of me.

This has also boosted their confidence in achieving their dreams and taking their skills to the next level.

I am hoping to achieve more and keep making a great ­impact for young people especially women in my community.

I’ve been a great role model for them and still work with the charity when needed for projects.